The Hon'ble Sri Justice C.V.Nagarjuna Reddy Writ Petition Nos.21443, 21444, 21445, 21447, 21436 and 21446 of 2010 Date: 15-09-2010 Common Order: Since the issue raised in all these Writ Petitions is common, they are heard and being disposed of together. In all these Writ Petitions, the petitioners are Sarpanches of various Gram Panchayats in Prattipadu Mandal, East Godavari District. Separate notices were issued by respondent No.1 calling upon the petitioners to showcause as to why their cheque drawing powers shall not be withdrawn for alleged misappropriation of the Gram Panchayat funds. The petitioners have submitted their explanations, denying the allegations contained in the said showcause notices. By the orders impugned in these Writ Petitions, respondent No.2 has ordered for withdrawal of the cheque drawing powers of the petitioners. Hence, the present Writ Petitions. At the hearing, though several contentions have been raised by the learned Counsel for the petitioners, it is not necessary for this Court to refer to all of them for the reason that, in the impugned orders, respondent No.2 has not discussed the contents of the explanations submitted by the petitioners. By failing to consider the petitioners’ explanations, respondent No.2 has reduced the procedure of calling for explanations to a formality. Failure of respondent No.2 to consider the petitioner’s explanations constitutes patent error apart from violation of the principles of natural justice. In this view of the matter, the impugned orders are quashed. Respondent No.2 is directed to consider the petitioners’ explanations and pass fresh orders thereon, and if he is not convinced with the said explanations, he shall give reasons for rejection thereof. The Writ Petitions are allowed accordingly. As a sequel, WPMP.Nos.27270, 27271, 27272, 27274, 27262 & 27273 of 2010 in WP.Nos.21443, 21444, 21445, 21447, 21436 & 21446 of 2010 respectively, filed by the petitioners for interim relief, are disposed of as infructuous. ___________________________ (C.V.NAGARJUNA REDDY, J) 15th September, 2010 lur