Murugan.S v. The General Manager

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 05.09.2024

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR W.P.(MD)No.23643 of 2023 and W.M.P(MD)No.19812 of 2023 S.Murugan ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The General Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Tirunelveli) Limited, Thoothukudi Region, Thoothukudi.

2.The Branch Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Tirunelveli) Limited, Thoothukudi Region, Thoothukudi Moffusil Branch, Thoothukudi.

3.The Branch Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Tirunelveli) Limited, Thoothukudi Region, Sathankulam Branch, Sathankulam, Thoothukudi District.

... Respondents 1/4

PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a writ of Certiorari, calling for the records pertaining to the impugned order of transfer in A.Aa.No.10360/Nia5/ThaAPoKa./Thili/2022, dated 20.09.2023 passed by the 1st Respondent and quash the same. For Petitioner :

Mr.K.Guhan For Respondents :

Mr.K.Ramaiah Standing Counsel * * * * *

ORDER

The instant writ petition has been filed by a Driver of the respondent transport corporation, challenging his order of transfer from Thoothukudi Moffusil Branch to Sathankulam branch, primarily on the ground that when a charge memo has been issued to the writ petitioner on 15.09.2023, the present impugned order has been passed on 20.09.2023, and therefore, it is a punitive transfer.

2.The judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of Registrar General Vs. R.Pevachi reported in 2011 (12) SCC 137, in paragraph No.36, has held that whenever complaints are received as against a concerned employee and departmental proceedings are initiated, and the transfer is effected by the management, the said transfer can never be considered to be punitive in nature. The judgment of the Hon'ble Division Bench of our High Court of Secretary to 2/4

Government v. Dr.S.Raja Rajan reported in 2015 (3) MLJ 769 in paragraph No.6, has categorically held that on account of inefficiency of a Government servant, the Government is competent to transfer and the same cannot be considered to be punitive in nature. In the present case, merely because a charge memo has been issued to the writ petitioner, unless the same is reflected in the order of transfer, the same cannot be considered to be punitive in nature. 3.In the view of the above submissions, there are no merits in the writ petition. Accordingly, this writ petition stands dismissed. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is also closed. 05.09.2024 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet: Yes/No RJR 3/4

R.VIJAYAKUMAR , J.

RJR W.P.(MD)No.23643 of 2023 and W.M.P(MD)No.19812 of 2023 05.09.2024 4/4