In Brief
An elected female Sarpanch (village chief) in Maharashtra was disqualified from office based on allegations that she resided on government land, supporting removal orders from the Collector and Divisional Commissioner. The High Court dismissed her writ petition on technical grounds. The Supreme Court set aside the dismissal, finding no credible evidence to support the allegations against her. The Court held that removal of elected representatives—especially women in rural areas—requires substantive verification, not bald statements. The Court emphasized that women succeeding in public office face systemic prejudice and deserve protection to foster gender parity in rural governance. The appeal was allowed and the Sarpanch was reinstated."
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