Ahmedabad: A gram panchayat member from Aravalli district has moved the Gujarat High Court after being disqualified for allegedly violating the two-child norm under the Gujarat Panchayat Act.

Shanaji Khant, elected unopposed in June 2025 as Ward No. 7 member of Netrodi village, was removed by the Bayad taluka development officer under Section 30 of the Act. Village records showed he had a third child, attracting disqualification.

Khant contended that the child was adopted from a financially weak relative and not biologically his. However, the court noted that the birth certificate listed him as the father and sought an adoption deed. His counsel produced only an affidavit, citing Khant’s illiteracy.

Justice Niral Mehta questioned how the court could decide disputed facts under Article 226 without supporting documents. The petitioner sought time to submit additional records, and the matter was adjourned. DeshGujarat