Kataka: The Orissa High Court has declared invalid the no-confidence motion brought against Chameli Ojha, the sarpanch of Tikhiri Gram Panchayat in Mahakalapada block of Kendrapada district, ruling that the relevant provisions were not properly followed.

The court's decision came after Ojha challenged the no-confidence motion process, alleging procedural irregularities.

Tikhiri Gram Panchayat has 22 ward members, of whom 21 supported the no-confidence motion against the sarpanch. Following the move, the administration initiated the process for a no-confidence vote, which was scheduled for August 13.

However, Ojha approached the High Court, challenging the validity of the proceedings.

The no-confidence motion was brought under Section 24 of the Gram Panchayat Act. Under the prescribed procedure, the sarpanch must be provided with copies of the notice, resolution and requisition related to the motion. The rules also require a 15-day notice period to allow the sarpanch adequate time to prepare for the vote.

Ojha alleged that these rules had not been followed during the process.

After examining the matter, the High Court declared the no-confidence motion invalid, observing that the provisions governing the procedure had not been properly implemented.