Pekha pradhan removed for encroaching govt land

Shimla DC Anupam Kashyap has removed Sharmila Devi, alias Ramila Devi, from the post of pradhan, Gram Panchayat Pekha in Chirgaon tehsil, for allegedly encroaching on government land. Exercising powers under Sections 146(1)(2) and 122(1)(c) of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, the DC also disqualified her from contesting panchayat elections for the next six years.

Further orders were issued to ensure the immediate transfer of all Panchayat cash, records, stock, stamps, and documents from Sharmila Devi to the Panchayat Secretary.

The action follows a petition filed by Jai Pyari, wife of Hari Lal and resident of Pekha, under Sections 162, 163, 164, and 175 of the same Act. She had alleged that Sharmila Devi’s father-in-law, Kewal Ram, and family had encroached on government land with Khasra Number 621. The Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Rohru, had accepted the petition on June 21, 2022, and ruled to cancel Sharmila Devi’s election.

Himachal Tribune