HC asks AP why diversion of gram panchayat funds

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh High Court has asked the state government as to how it could divert gram panchayat funds for other purposes, and directed it to file a counter affidavit.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice Prashant Mishra heard the petition filed by AP Panchayat Raj Chamber president Rajendra Prasad on Wednesday.

 The court observed that if the funds were diverted from one account to another for some reason, they should be restored to the original account later, to serve the purpose for which they were released. “Funds are  not supposed to be misused.” the bench said.

 The court criticised the delay on the part of the government in filing a counter affidavit in the matter. Petitioner’s counsel Veera Reddy argued that the diversion of gram panchayat funds was affecting the development of villages. No developmental works were being taken up for want of funds, he said.

The court adjourned the case for the next hearing to a later date.