Rajiv Chandok v. Chief Post Master General

$~62 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + W.P.(C) 7792/2017 RAJIV CHANDOK ..... Petitioner Through Petitioner in person.

versus CHIEF POST MASTER GENERAL ..... Respondent Through

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VIBHU BAKHRU

O R D E R

% 04.09.2017 1.

The petitioner has filed the present petition, inter alia, praying as under:

"I. Issue a writ in the nature of mandamus or order to call for the records in the nature of certiorari to the respondents and direct the respondents fully enable to initiate services of ePost through remote locations and permit them to recharge their account by electronic means/electronic wallets/credit cards/netbanking and any other digital payment mode with immediate effect.

II.

Issue a writ in the nature of certiorari to direct and call for the records and thereafter issue a writ of mandamus to direct the respondent to start ePost centers/counters all across the post offices in Delhi as well as India, especially at the Delhi High Court Office Branch and Post Office

Branches situated at all other Courts in the city of Delhi.

III. Issue a writ of certiorari and call for the records of the respondents and direct them by way of writ of mandamus to make the IPOs (Indian Postal Orders) effectively, infinitely valid so that there is no loss of any kind of revenue to any customer as well including the petitioner and his colleagues who use these IPOs as a mode of payment in various judicial foras alongwith their colleagues OR In the alternative direct to keep extending the Indian Postal Orders (IPOs) from time to time even beyond the final period of three years upon usual terms.

IV. Issue such other and further orders as this Hon'ble Court may deem just and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case keeping in view of the benefits that the entire legal fraternity as well as the general public will avail from the aforesaid soft directions and allow this petition with costs." 2.

The petitioner essentially seeks that the service of ePost be extended to remote locations. He has pointed out that although, it is professed on the website of the Postal Department, that ePost services are being provided, however, in actuality there are several issues with those services. He also states that several sites are not even opening. 3.

Undoubtedly, the e-postal services may prove to be a valuable service. Therefore, the respondent is directed to consider the averments made in the writ petition and take appropriate steps for extension of the services, if

respondent finds the same warranted and feasible. 4.

Insofar as the specific prayers are concerned, this Court is not persuaded to accept that any writ of mandamus is required for the aforesaid purposes. It is trite law that recourse to Article 226 of the Constitution of India is available only to enforce legal rights. Although, as pointed out by the petitioner, facility of the ePost may be very helpful, this Court is not persuaded to accept that non-provision of the same violates any fundamental or legal rights of the petitioner.

5.

The petition stands disposed of.

6.

Order dasti.

VIBHU BAKHRU, J SEPTEMBER 04, 2017 dr