De. Shaligram Shukla & ORS v. Indira Gandhi National Open University & ORS

16.06.2022 Item No.1 BR WPA 5111 of 2020 Dr. Shaligram Shukla & Ors.

Vs.

Indira Gandhi National Open University & Ors. An application under Article 226 of the Constitution of India Mr. Supriya Chattopadhyay, Mr. Sudip Kumar Maiti ...... For the petitioners Affidavit of service filed in the Court today be kept with the record.

Respondents are not represented.

It is the grievance of the petitioners that they have worked as 'Academic Counselors' in a study centre of Indira Gandhi National Open University at Sabitri Girls' College, Kolkata. They made several representations before the Director of Indira Gandhi National Open University at Delhi as well as before the Regional Director, Kolkata. So far no response has been made. The study centre was closed in 2016. A substantial amount on account of their remuneration has not been paid.

Learned advocate for the petitioners prays that the representation at page 18 of the writ petition may be considered by the Regional Director of Indira Gandhi National Open University.

In absence of the respondents the Court is not in a position to ascertain the factual aspects submitted by the petitioner. However, there will be no justification in keeping the writ petition pending for an indefinite period. The writ petition is disposed of with a direction upon the respondent no.3 to consider the representation which appears at page 18 (annexure P/2) of the writ petition made before him on September 6, 2018. The decision should be taken by the respondent no.3 within a period of one month from the date of communication of this order. The decision shall be communicated to the petitioner within two weeks from the date of passing of the order. The respondent no.3 shall give opportunity of hearing to the authorized representative of the petitioners and all other concerned for verification of the records. Accordingly, WPA 5111 of 2020 is disposed of. Parties are directed to act on the server copy of this order.

Let urgent certified copies of this order, if applied for, be given to the parties upon compliance with all the necessary formalities.

(Kausik Chanda, J.)