THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.12790 of 2008 ORDER: The 1st respondent, whose name is almost identical with that of the petitioner, ﬁled E.O.P.No.1 of 206 before the Election Tribunal- cum-Junior Civil Judge, Kota, challenging the election of the petitioner as Sarpanch of Konduru Gram Panchayat. During the pendency of the E.O.P., he ﬁled I.A.Nos.270 and 271 of 2007 for amendment of the pleadings in the O.P. and for substitution of parties. The petitioner opposed the applications, on the ground of maintainability. Through separate orders, dated 08.10.2007, the Tribunal allowed the applications. Hence, this writ petition. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the Tribunal has no power to entertain the applications, either for amendment of the pleadings or for substitution of the parties. He places reliance upon the Judgment of this Court in Kummari Ramulu vs. Gangaram Penta Reddy[1]. Learned counsel for the 1st respondent, on the other hand, submits that the power to amend the pleadings and to implead the parties is inherent to any Court or Tribunal. The point urged by the petitioner is no longer res integra. A Division Bench of this Court has undertaken extensive discussion as to the purport of the relevant provisions, that govern the adjudication before an election tribunal. It was categorically held that the Tribunal does not have the power to order amendment of pleadings or to direct substitution of the parties. Following the same, the writ petition is allowed and the orders, dated 08.10.2007, in I.A.Nos.270 and 271 of 2007 are set aside. The Election Tribunal shall proceed with the trial of the matter and dispose of the same as early as possible. There shall be no order as to costs. _________ 12.11.2008 JSU THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.12790 of 2008 Date: 12.11.2008 JSU [1] 2004(3) ALT 788