IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT HYDERABAD THURSDAY, THE THIRD DAY OF MARCH TWO THOUSAND AND ELEVEN PRESENT: THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR WRIT PETITION No.2577 OF 2007 Between: Karnam Ramanamma and two others … Petitioners AND The District Collector, (Panchayats)., Nellore, Nellore District and five others. … Respondents This Court made the following: O R D E R : The grievance of the petitioners, who are members of Gundemadakala Gram Panchayat, Vinjamoor Mandal, Nellore District, is with regard to the inaction on the part of the Officials of the Panchayat Department, respondents 1 to 5 herein, upon their representation dated 27-08-2006. The said representation was made alleging various acts of irregularities against the Ex-Sarpanch of Gundemadakala Gram Panchayat, respondent 6 herein. They seek a direction in this writ petition to respondents 1 to 5 to take necessary action on their representation dated 27-08-2006 for recovery of the amounts due from respondent 6 and to initiate criminal proceedings against him in this regard. 2. Though the matter has been pending on the file of this Court since January, 2007, respondents 1 to 5 did not choose to file their counters. Respondent 6, in spite of service of notice as evidenced by the acknowledgment card filed by the learned counsel for the petitioners, chose not to put in his appearance before this Court, either in person or through counsel. 3. The petitioners’ representation dated 27-08-2006 states to the effect that respondent 6 withdrew Grampanchayat funds after the end of his term without authority. The petitioners accordingly sought an enquiry into the matter and to take steps for recovery of the amounts due. 4. The inaction on the part of the authorities in initiating necessary steps for causing enquiry into the allegations leveled by the petitioners cannot be countenanced. Once serious allegations of misappropriation are leveled against respondent 6 who held a public office, it is essential that the authorities take measures to enquire into and verify the same. The apathy of the respondents 1 to 5 in the matter, as is evident from their continued silence even before this Court, cannot be accepted. There shall accordingly be a direction to respondents 1 to 5 to initiate an enquiry into the matter on the basis of the petitioners’ representation dated 27-08-2006 after giving due notice to respondent 6 and take necessary further action basing on the findings of such enquiry. The above said exercise shall be completed within three (3) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 5. The Writ Petition is disposed of with the above direction. There shall be no order as to costs. _____________________ SANJAY KUMAR, J Date: 03-03-2011. KVS