Sk. Ahammad Basha, v. The Mandal Parishad Development Officer, Chejerla Mandal,

THE HON'BLE THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE RAMESH RANGANATHAN WRIT PETITION NO.9903 OF 2008 ORDER:

The order, impugned in this Writ Petition, is the proceedings of the Mandal Parishad Development Officer, Mandal Praja Parishad, Chejerla dated 19.04.2008 removing the petitioners from duties as Field Assistants in the Gram Panchayats since irregularities were committed in the implementation of the National Rural Employment Programme in the Gram Panchayats concerned. The Field Assistants were directed to hand over all the records in their custody relating to the National Rural Employment Programme to the Mandal Additional Programme Officer, Chejerla.

While the allegations made in the impugned proceedings, relating to irregularities in the implementation of the National Rural Employment Programme which is a scheme meant to uplift the poor in rural areas, and provide them guaranteed employment, would undoubtedly necessitate action being taken against the officers concerned, the minimum requirement of the rules of natural justice is that such persons should be put on notice, and be given an opportunity of being heard on these allegations. As it is not in dispute that the services of the petitioners were terminated without even putting them on notice, the impugned proceedings are set aside.

The Mandal Parishad Officer shall, after putting the petitioners on notice and after giving them an opportunity of being heard on the irregularities alleged against them in the implementation of the National Rural Employment Programme, pass orders afresh in accordance with law.

completed within three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. The miscellaneous petitions pending, if any, shall stand closed. No costs.

________________________________ RAMESH RANGANATHAN, ACJ Date: 04.11.2016.

MRKR