16.09.2026 rc/ct.no.15 Item No.12 WPA No. 25417 of 2026 Rajib Ghosh Versus The State of West Bengal & Ors. Adv. Robiul Islam Adv. Jayeed Hossain Adv. Asmita Mitra ..for the petitioner Adv. Pramod Kumar Drolia Adv. Subhanwita Ghosh ….for the State Affidavit of service filed by the petitioner is taken on record. The office of the Pradhan of Margram Gram Panchayat fell vacant upon removal of the Pradhan on August 13, 2026. The Prescribed Authority, by a notice issued on August 31, 2026 fixed the date of meeting for election of the new Pradhan on September 10, 2026. However, the meeting was postponed by a further notice issued on September 09, 2026 due to non-availability of police assistance. The petitioner being a member of the Panchayat seeks a direction upon the Prescribed Authority to convene the meeting and further direction upon the police authority to render necessary assistance to the Prescribed Authority so that the meeting is held without any hindrance. In view of the fact that the meeting scheduled to be held has been postponed due to non- availability of police assistance, the Prescribed Authority and the Block Development Officer, Khargram Block, being the 2nd respondent herein, is directed to convene the meeting within 10 days from the date of communication of this order upon service of notice to all concerned and take the proceeding to its logical conclusion at the earliest in terms of Section 6(1) of the West Bengal Panchayat (Constitution) Rules, 1975 including concurrence of the District Panchayat Election Officer. The Officer in Charge, Khargram Police Station, being the 3rd respondent herein, is directed to render necessary assistance to the Prescribed Authority so that the meeting is held peacefully and without any disturbance from any corner whatsoever. The police authority shall ensure safe passage of the members including the petitioner herein to the venue of the meeting so that they are able to cast their votes safely, freely and independently. The writ petition is disposed of. There shall, however, be no order as to costs. Since no affidavit is invited, the allegations contained in the writ petition are deemed not to have been admitted. Urgent certified website copy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the parties upon compliance with all requisite formalities. (Suvra Ghosh,J) 2 3