Ponda Court Overturns Disqualification of Curti Panch Member Bhika Kerkar

Team Herald

PONDA; The Additional District and Session Court, Panjim, sitting at Ponda, has overturned the BDO’s order disqualifying Bhika Kerkar, a Panch member of Curti Khandepar Panchayat.

The order provides relief to Bhika, who is now eligible to participate in the election for the vacant posts of sarpanch and deputy sarpanch.

Bhika was disqualified by the Ponda BDO following a complaint in 2023 by two Curti residents. The complaint alleged that Bhika participated in a meeting where his illegal

construction was discussed, violating Section 12(D) of the Panchayati Raj Act, which prohibits a panch member from participating in meetings concerning their own pecuniary interests.

Subsequently, Bhika Kerkar had challenged the BDO’s order in the District and Session Court, arguing that the order was unlawful and citing deficiencies. The court then stayed the disqualification order.

The two complainants then appealed to the High Court against the stay order, asserting the BDO’s authority to disqualify and argued that the stay would allow Bhika to participate in the election for the vacant sarpanch and deputy posts.

Considering the upcoming election, the High Court directed the Sessions Court to resolve the petition by April 15. The matter was accordingly concluded

today.