Bilaspur.   The Chhattisgarh High Court has reprimanded the state's Panchayat and Rural Development Department for delaying the appointment of a village panchayat secretary. A single bench of Justice Narendra Kumar Vyas ordered the department's director, Priyanka Thawait, to appear in person tomorrow, December 8, at 10:30 am and provide an explanation.

Asif Raza filed the petition in this case. On February 22, 2024, a division bench of the High Court ordered in the writ appeal that Asif Raza be considered for appointment to the post of village panchayat secretary, without affecting the employment of candidates already appointed and already enrolled.

Petitioner's counsel Sushobhit Singh told the court that despite this clear order, the state government is waiting for the approval of the Finance Department and Asif Raza is being repeatedly made to run from Raipur to Baikunthpur.

The court expressed displeasure, asking why the Finance Department's approval was needed when the High Court order was in place? And even if it was, why had it not been obtained since the February 22, 2024, order?

The court has listed the matter for tomorrow, December 8, and has also directed to send a copy of the order to the Chief Secretary, Chhattisgarh Government for information, so that he can see how the system is working.