India, March 2 -- PUNE An inquiry into the resolution passed by Madhi village's Gram Sabha, which prohibited Muslim traders from participating in the Kanifnath Maharaj Yatra, has exposed procedural violations, rendering the decision invalid.

Officials found that outsiders were allegedly brought in to manipulate the gram panchayat's proceedings and pass the resolution.

Shivaji Kamble, block development officer, said, "During the inquiry, it was found that outsiders were allegedly used to pass the resolution. Hence, we have declared the gram sabha and the resolution invalid."

Explaining the procedural lapse, Kamble stated that a gram sabha requires a quorum of at least 100 villagers or 15% of the population, whichever is lower. The inqui...