A.Ashok Kumar v. The Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 21.06.2023
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE M.S. RAMESH A.Ashok Kumar
...Petitioner
Vs 1.The Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation, Rep. by its Regional Manager, Madurai Region, Madurai - 623 020.
2.The Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation, Rep. by its Managing Director, Chennai - 10.
...Respondents
PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 2nd respondent to consider the and dispose of the representation dated 19.04.2023, by which the petitioner has requested the 2nd respondent to review the order of suspension Roc.E1/5225/2022 dated 10.06.2022 of the 1st respondent and revoke the same and restore the petitioner to duty without further delay.
For Petitioner : Mr.S.Venkataraman For Respondents : Mr.C.Selvaraj, Standing Counsel 1/5
ORDER
With the consent of both the parties, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself.
2. On the ground of prolonged suspension, the petitioner seeks for interference to the suspension order through the present Writ Petition.
3. The Hon'ble Supreme Court, in the case of Ajay Kumar Choudhary v. Union of India, reported in (2015) 7 SCC 291, had set certain guidelines with regard to prolonged suspension. On a reference made by me, the Hon'ble Full Bench of this Court, in the case of P.Kannan Vs. Commissioner of Municipal Administration and others reported in (2022) 2 CTC 353, had held that the judgement of the Apex Court, in the case of Ajay Kumar Choudhary (supra), does not lay down an absolute proposition of law that an order of suspension cannot be continued beyond the period of three months on the circumstances mentioned therein and that the order of suspension should be analysed on the facts of each case, considering the gravity of charges and the Rules 2/5
applicable. It was further held that the revocation of the suspension with a direction to the employer to post the delinquent in a non-sensitive post, as held in Ajay Kumar Choudhary's case (supra), also cannot be endorsed or directed as a matter of course.
4. In line with the orders passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, as well as the Hon'ble Full Bench of this Court, the Government, in G.O.(Ms) No.81, Human Resources Management (N) Department, dated 04.08.2022, had stipulated a compendium of instructions for review of suspension orders in matter which are pending enquiry into grave charges.
5. On consideration of these instructions in G.O.(Ms) No.81, this Court is of the view that the second respondent herein could be directed to review the order of suspension, in accordance with the guidelines issued thereunder.
6. In the light of the above findings, there shall be a direction to the second respondent herein to consider the petitioner's representation 3/5
dated 19.04.2023, seeking for revocation of the suspension order, in accordance with the instructions issued by the Government in G.O.(Ms).No.81, dated 04.08.2022, and pass appropriate orders, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy this order.
7. Accordingly, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. 21.06.2023 Index:Yes/No Speaking order/Non-speaking order hvk To 1.The Regional Manager, Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation, Madurai Region, Madurai - 623 020.
2.The Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation, Chennai - 10.
4/5
M.S.RAMESH,J.
hvk 21.06.2023 5/5