THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE R.SUBHASH REDDY WRIT PETITION No.8404 of 2010 ORDER: Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader for Panchayat Raj appearing for the respondents. The petitioner was appointed as Field Assistant under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, in the Office of Gollapalle Gram Panchayat, Bangarupalyam Mandal, Chittoor District. The second respondent through his order, dated 01.12.2009 terminated the services of the petitioner alleging misconduct on his part. As against the same, he preferred an appeal before the first respondent/appellate authority through an Advocate, by name, V.Jayakumar. The same was returned by the first respondent vide order, dated 11.02.2010 stating that it is not a Court and as such, the appeal filed by the petitioner through an Advocate cannot be entertained. Unless there is an express prohibition prohibiting an Advocate to appear before the first respondent, there is no valid reason in rejecting the appeal preferred by the petitioner. Even before the quasi-judicial authorities, who are discharging the functions of the appellate authority, Advocates can represent the matter, if there is a proper authorisation/vakalath. In that view of the matter and in the absence of any prohibition in respect of Advocates for appearing before the first respondent/appellate authority, the sole reason for rejection of appeal on the ground that the Advocate cannot represent before the appellate authority, cannot be sustained. For the aforesaid reasons, the writ petition is allowed and the order, dated 11.02.2010 passed by the first respondent/appellate authority is hereby set aside, with a direction to the first respondent to accept the appeal preferred by the petitioner through his Advocate, consider and dispose of the same on merits, as expeditiously as possible, preferably, within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Status quo obtaining as on today shall be maintained till the disposal of the appeal. No order as to costs. ______________________ R.SUBHASH REDDY, J 23rd APRIL, 2010. kvni