SC reinstates Jashpur sarpanch, fines govt Rs. 1 lakh

Raipur | Correspondent: The Supreme Court has criticized Chhattisgarh government for removing an elected sarpanch hailing from a remote village in Jashpur for ‘unjustified reasons.’

A bench of justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuiyan ruled in favor of Sonam Lakra, reinstating her as the sarpanch and imposing a 1lakh fine on the state government for causing her mental harassment.

The court directed that the compensation amount be paid within four weeks, adding that the state government could recover the sum from the officials responsible for the harassment.

In its judgment, the court said Lakra, a young woman dedicated to serving her village, was treated unfairly by the authorities.

“Instead of supporting her efforts for the development of her village, she was subjected to unnecessary hardship,” the bench observed.

The court dismissed the reasons cited for Lakra’s removal—delays in the supply of construction materials and the completion of construction work—as baseless.

It noted that such delays often depend on factors like contractors, engineers, and weather, which are beyond the sarpanch’s control.

Labeling the removal as arbitrary, the court set aside the order passed by the Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) and reinstated Lakra to her post until the end of her term.

The bench remarked that the state government’s actions amounted to harassment, adding that the proceedings to remove Lakra were a pretext to undermine her role.

The Supreme Court’s decision is a significant step in protecting the rights of elected representatives in rural areas.