Tmt.Uma Devi, v. Sabarinathan,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 04.12.2019 CORAM :

THE HON'BLE MR.A.P.SAHI, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SUBRAMONIUM PRASAD W.P.No.22787 of 2019 Uma Devi ... Petitioner vs.

1. Sabarinathan

2. Mohammed Rizwanullal Sheriff Enquiry Officer, Special Sub Judge Thiruvannamalai.

3. The Principal District Judge Thiruvannamalai Thiruvannamalai District.

... Respondents (R3 impleaded as per order dated 1.11.2019 in WMP.25337/2019) PRAYER: Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the Principal District Judge, Thiruvannamalai District to change the second respondent and to appoint competent officer as an enquiry officer, in Departmental Proceedings in D.P.No.06 of 2018 pending on the file of the 2nd respondent.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Raja Ravi Varma For Respondents : Mr.P.Sampath for 1st respondent Mr.E.K.Kumaresan for respondents 2 and 3

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by The Hon'ble Chief Justice) Heard learned counsel for the petitioner.

2. This writ petition had been preferred for change of Enquiry Officer. The said request has already been granted as is admitted between the parties.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the aid of a lawyer be granted to her. We decline the same, inasmuch as the enquiry has to proceed only with the witnesses and the depositions that are to take place in accordance with the Rules.

4. Learned counsel further prayed that a direction be issued to give her certain papers which are necessary for the purpose of defending herself. It will be open to the petitioner to apply before the Enquiry Officer and the same shall be considered in accordance with law.

5. No further directions are required except for the fact that the petitioner and the first respondent shall both cooperate with the enquiry. The enquiry be concluded as expeditiously as possible, but not later than three months from today.

The writ petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. Consequently, W.M.P.No.22344 of 2019 is closed. Sd/- Assistant Registrar(CS V) //True Copy// Sub Assistant Registrar sasi To:

The Principal District Judge Thiruvannamalai Thiruvannamalai District.

Copy to 1.The Section Officer, Legal Cell Section, High Court, Madras.

2.The Section Officer, B Section, High Court, Madras.

+2cc to Mr.S.Raja Ravi Varma, Advocate Sr.100989 +1cc to Mr.M.Rajendiran, Advocate Sr.100981 W.P.No.22787 of 2019 mp[co] srg 03/01/2020