VILLAGE PANCHAYAT CALANGUTE vs ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR OF PANCHAYAT II

The Supreme Court addressed whether a Village Panchayat under Section 3 of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 has the locus standi to file a petition under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution against orders of an appellate authority. The Court held that the Panchayat does have the locus to challenge such orders, emphasizing the importance of local governance in ensuring compliance with statutory provisions. The appeals were allowed, affirming the Panchayat's right to seek judicial review of administrative decisions affecting its authority.