VASCO: High voltage drama unfolded at Chicalim Panchayat on Tuesday ahead of the confidence vote, as Sarpanch Mary Mascarehnas filed a writ petition before the High Court challenging the no-confidence motion moved against her and praying for a stay on the voting.
Refusing to grant her prayer, the court allowed the vote of no-confidence scheduled on Tuesday. However, the High Court directed the Mormugao Block Development officer to seal the ballot box after secrete voting and to declare the results after it passes its next order, after hearing parties on Wednesday.
The no confidence motion was moved against Sarpanch Mary Mascarehnas by six panchas in the eleven member body within two hours of voting to elect the new Sarpanch on February 19, 2016. The motion was presented and even accepted by the office of Block Development Officer.
“As they had not given me any opportunity to serve and moved no confidence motion against me within two hours (of her election as sarpanch) citing vague reasons, I decided to file a writ petition before the High Court to get a stay on the vote of confidence,” Mascarehnas told reporters.
As directed by the High Court, the vote of confidence was held on Tuesday and all eleven members cast their votes. The ballot box was sealed in presence of BDO Uday Prabhudesai and kept in the panchayat under police protection.
