ALLAHABAD: The Allahabad high court on Wednesday set aside the no-confidence motion passed against Rekha Singh, chairperson of zila panchayat, Allahabad on the ground that secrecy of voting was not maintained during the process.While allowing the writ petition filed by Rekha Singh, a division bench comprising Justice Pradeep Kumar Singh Baghel and Justice Pankaj Bhatia also set aside appointment of another chairperson, Keshari Devi, which had consequently taken place in the petitioner’s place.The petitioner’s contention was that there was no secrecy of ballot papers or votes, which could be verified from the videography and the CD of the proceedings prepared by the presiding officer. Also, format of the ballot paper, over which the vote of no-confidence motion had taken place, was contrary to the prescribed format as per rule.To recall, Rekha Singh was elected as chairperson of zila panchayat, Allahabad in 2016. She took oath in January 2016. There were total 92 members of zila panchayat, including the petitioner.On October 25, 2018, the meeting of the members of the zila panchayat was held to consider the motion of no-confidence. In the said meeting out of 92 members, 51 elected members of the zila panchayat, including the petitioner were present. Out of 51 members who were present, 48 cast their vote in favour of no-confidence motion, two against the and one was rejected as invalid.The presiding officer, on the same day, declared that the no-confidence motion had been passed with the majority by more than a half (1/2) members of the zila panchayat. Later, on November 15, 2018, the state government appointed Kesari Devi as chairperson of zila panchayat.

Stay updated with all the Allahabad Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.