THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.24628 of 2008 ORDER: Election to the Mandal Parishad, Rowthalpudi Mandal of East- Godavari District was held in the year 2006. The wife of the 1st petitioner by name, Smt.B. Suryakantam, was elected as the President. At a meeting convened on 04-09-2008, a motion of No-confidence was moved against her. The office of President fell vacant, and election to the same was notified, to take place on 11-11-2008. The petitioners allege that the office is earmarked for S.C candidate, and they are only two members hailing from that category in the Mandal, including Suryakantam. It is stated that Suryakantam intended to contest the election, but she was kidnapped by her opponents, on 06-11-2008. The petitioners contend that a complaint in this regard has been submitted to the District Collector and the Election Authority, and that no action has been taken thereon. The petitioners seek postponement of the election. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and learned Government Pleader for Panchayat Raj. The only ground urged on behalf of the petitioners for postponement of the election is, that one of the probable candidates was kidnapped. Even if the allegation as to kidnap is true, it cannot constitute the basis for postponement of election. The A.P. Panchayat Raj Act and the Rules made thereunder prescribes the procedure to be followed in conducting elections at various stages. It is for the concerned persons to participate in it, and to take steps, in case any criminal activity has taken place. On mere allegation of kidnap, a notified election cannot be postponed. Such a course would, in fact, encourage the persons, who are doubtful of their success, to resort acts of similar nature. This Court is not inclined to grant any relief to the petitioners. The writ petition is accordingly dismissed. There shall be no order as to costs. ________________________ Dt.10-11-2008. L. NARASIMHA REDDY, J. KO