Bhagwati Devi vs District Election Officer/ District Magistrate, Almora And Others

Alok Kumar Verma, J

This writ petition has been filed under Article 227 of the Constitution of India with the following prayers:-

“(i) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus directing the Learned Court concerned i.e. Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Tehsil Bhikiyasain, District Almora to decide the Election Petition No. 12 of 2024-2025 "Smt. Bhagwati Devi Vs District Election Officer/District Magistrate Almora & Others" filed by the petitioner relating to the post of Gram Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Bajan, within a fixed and time-bound period, preferably within such period as this Hon'ble Court may deem fit.

(ii) Issue any other writ, order or direction which this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of the case.

(iii) To award the cost of petition in favor of petitioner.”

Heard Mr. Bhupendra Prasad, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Mr. Sanjay Bhatt, learned counsel for the respondent nos.1 to 3.

On 18.02.2026, Mr. Sanjay Bhatt, Advocate, appearing for the respondent nos.1 to 3, sought time to get instructions.

Mr. Bhupendra Prasad, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, on instruction, has requested to direct the Prescribed Authority/ Sub-Divisional - Magistrate, Tehsil Bhikiyasen, District Almora to decide the election petition expeditiously.

The said request has not been opposed by Mr. Sanjay Bhatt, Advocate.

The present Writ Petition is being disposed of on the request of both the parties by directing the Prescribed Authority/ Sub-Divisional - Magistrate, Tehsil Bhikiyasen, District Almora to decide the Election Petition No.12 of 2024-2025 as early as possible without granting any unnecessary adjournment to either of the parties.

It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any opinion on the merit of the case.