#Democratic Process

Chhattisgarh High Court ruled that a no-confidence motion against a Sarpanch is invalid if the seven-day clear notice requirement under Rule 3(3) of the Chhattisgarh Panchayat Rules, 1994, is not strictly complied with. The judgment reinforces procedural fairness in local governance, ensuring elected representatives cannot be removed without proper notice to all members.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court directed that panchayat elections for Chairman and Vice Chairman must be conducted under videography, with a court observer present, and relocated to the Deputy Commissioner’s office to ensure fairness. This ruling applies even in the absence of proven illegality, establishing a precedent for electoral transparency in local governance.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that panchayat elections must be conducted via secret ballot, with videography at petitioners' cost, and held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office to ensure fairness. The court also mandated security for voters facing intimidation, reinforcing democratic transparency and voter autonomy in local governance.