In a significant ruling that underscores the importance of grassroots democracy and gender equality in leadership, the Supreme Court of India quashed the removal of Sonam Lakra, a 27-year-old Sarpanch of Sajbahar Gram Panchayat, Chhattisgarh. The apex court’s decision, delivered by Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, emphasized the fundamental distinction between elected representatives