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Judgment
M. Katju and R.B. Misra, JJ.—Heard learned Counsel for the Petitioners.
It appears from the record that the Petitioner was a Gram Pradhan and the allegation against him in the impugned first information report is that he has cut away the trees of the Gram Samaj, sold the same and embezzled Rs. 10 lakh.
In a large number of cases, we have found that Gram Pradhans of the villages are looting the funds of the Gram Samaj wherever they could do so. They have embezzled the funds of the Jawahar Rojgar Scheme, etc. damaged the Gram Samaj property and let out the land of the Gram Samaj by taking bribe. It appears that the system of Gram Sabha and Gram Samaj has failed totally in this country, and they have become dens of corruption. Instead of looking after the interest of the welfare of the people in the villages, these Gram Sabhas and Gram Pradhans only look after their selfish self-interest and indulge in casteism and corruption. Hence the whole system of Gram Sabhas and Gram Pradhans should be revived from top to bottom. The Central and State Governments should do this forthwith, and we direct accordingly.
On perusal of the impugned first information report, it cannot be said that no offence is prima facie made out against the petitioner. Therefore, we cannot interfere in this matter. The petition is dismissed but the bail application of the petitioners shall be decided by the Court concerned expeditiously. The observation made in this judgment shall not prejudice the trial court.
Let a copy of this order be sent by the Registrar General to the Central and State Governments through their respective Secretaries.