Today, On 23rd August, The Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging the construction of a panchayat building, with a Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan questioning why such a local issue was brought before the nation’s highest court.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a plea challenging the construction of a Gram Panchayat Bhawan in Bihar.
A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan questioned the relevance of involving the apex court in local administrative issues.
The Court remarked,
“Arre, kuch toh litigation ka khayal karo. Ab kya patwari ka kaam bhi hum dekhenge? (Come on, at least think about litigation. Are we now supposed to handle the work of a land record officer?) You must think about this. Why should we look into this?”
A petitioner raised an objection to the proposed construction of a Gram Panchayat Bhawan within the premises of a school building located in a village in Bihar. This proposal contested on the grounds that it could potentially disrupt the educational environment or infringe upon the rights and facilities of the school.
The case initially brought before the Patna High Court, where the petition was examined. However, the High Court ultimately dismissed the challenge, allowing the construction to proceed as planned. Unsatisfied with this outcome, the petitioner escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking a reversal of the High Court’s decision and further examination of the legal and practical implications of the proposed construction.
The petitioner’s primary argument centered around the potential adverse impact on the school and its students. They argued that the construction of a Panchayat Bhawan within the school premises would not only encroach upon the land meant for educational purposes but also disrupt the academic environment. The petitioner contended that a school, being a space dedicated to learning and development, should not be used for purposes that could interfere with its primary function.
Additionally, the petitioner raised concerns about the administrative and functional implications of having a Gram Panchayat Bhawan within a school.
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Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Against Construction of Panchayat Bhawan in School Premises, Asserts Role of Panchayat Officials.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision affirms the construction of the Gram Panchayat Bhawan within the school premises, rejecting the petitioner’s concerns about potential disruptions to the educational environment. The court’s ruling highlights the importance of local governance and the need for adequate facilities to support it, while also ensuring that the primary function of the school is not compromised.