THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.1842 of 2010 ORDER: The petitioner is the Sarpanch of Kandur Gram Panchayat, Somala Mandal, Chittoor District. The District Panchayat Officer, Chittoor, respondent herein issued proceedings dated 01.12.2009 imposing restrictions upon the cheque drawing power of the petitioner. It was mentioned that the petitioner did not account for certain amounts and to ensure proper spending of the funds, he shall obtain the counter signature of the Mandal Parishad Development Officer. The petitioner feels aggrieved by the same. It is stated that the petitioner is finding it difficult to meet the day-to-day needs of the Gram Panchayat and that the restrictions placed upon him are totally unwarranted. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader for Panchayat Raj. Even according to the impugned order, the restrictions placed upon the petitioner are purely temporary in nature and they are imposed to ensure that the funds are not spent away indiscriminately. Though the arrangement ordered by the respondent cannot be found fault with, it would be naturally difficult for the petitioner to draw small amounts, in case the counter signature is insisted on. This Court is of the view that the petitioner can be permitted to draw amount not exceeding Rs.2,000/- in a span of one week and that the Mandal Parishad Development Officer can be required to look into the genuine necessities of the Gram Panchayat, which require the expenditure of more than Rs.2,000/- as and when presented before him. Therefore, the writ petition is disposed of directing that – (a) the petitioner shall be entitled to draw amount not exceeding Rs.2,000/- in a span of one week without the counter signature of the Mandal Parishad Development Officer; and (b) in case, the panchayat needs any higher amount, the petitioner shall bring the same to the notice of the Mandal Parishad Development Officer, who in turn shall take immediate steps after verifying the genuinity of the expenditure. There shall be no order as to costs. __________ 03.02.2010 JSU THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.1842 of 2010 Date: 03.02.2010 JSU