Raj Kumar Prasad v. The State Of Bihar And ORS

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA

Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No.20705 of 2014 ====================================================== Raj Kumar Prasad son of Akhileshwar Mahto Resident of Village:-Domabar, P.S:- Nardiganj, District:-Nawada.

... ... Petitioner/s

Versus

1. The State of Bihar through the Principal Secretary, Department of Education, Government of Bihar, Patna.

2. The Principal Secretary Department of Education, Government of Bihar, Patna.

3. The District Magistrate,-Cu,-Collector, Nawada.

4. The Additional District Magistrate,-Cum-District:-Incharge Officer Midday Meal Programe, Nawada.

... ... Respondent/s ====================================================== Appearance :

For the Petitioner/s :

Mr. Sheo Kumar Prasad For the Respondent/s :

Mr. Rajeev Shekhar, AC to GA-13 ====================================================== CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANIL KUMAR UPADHYAY ORAL ORDER 01-10-2018 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and the counsel appearing on behalf of the State.

Petitioner is aggrieved by the order contained in Annexure-2 whereby respondents have taken a decision to recover Rs. 40, 463/- from the petitioner.

Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the submits that the action of the respondents is illegal and arbitrary and without compliance of principle of natural justice, inasmuch as, no notice or opportunity of hearing was provided to petitioner before taking such decision for recovery.

On behalf respondents, a counter affidavit has been filed in which a statement has been made that on a surprise

Patna High Court CWJC No.20705 of 2014(2) dt.01-10-2018 2/2 inspection they found the petitioner involved in showing inflated number of children and on that basis the respondents have calculated embezzlement of Rs. 40,463/-. There is no denial of fact that action was taken without opportunity of hearing to the petitioner.

In view of the law laid down by the Apex Court that no order visiting evil and civil consequences can be passed without compliance of principle of natural justice. The order contained in Annexure-2 fixing accountability to recover Rs. 40,463/- cannot be sustained. Accordingly, Annexure-2 is quashed. However, quashing of Annexure-2 will not dis-entitle the respondents from taking fresh decision after opportunity of hearing to the petitioner in accordance with law. With the aforesaid, the writ petition stands disposed of.

(Anil Kumar Upadhyay, J) Ravi/- U