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2008 DIGILAW 822 (MAD)

N. Sivakumar v. K. Vembu, President, Valrakurich Village, Sendurai Taluk, and Others

2008-03-05

PRABHA SRIDEVAN

body2008
Judgment : A vacate stay petition has been filed and by consent of both the counsel, the main writ petition itself is taken up for final disposal. 2. The petitioner was appointed as a full time Panchayat Assistant on 1.12.1996. It is evident from the averments in the affidavit that there have been problems between the petitioner and the first respondent, who is the President. The petitioner has enclosed in the typed set of papers, various documents to show that the first respondent has not been discharging her duties as befitting the President. However, those letters or complaints are not germane for consideration in this writ petition. On 13.12.2007, the District Collector, Ariyalur passed an order of temporary suspension against the petitioner. Aggrieved by that, the petitioner filed the writ petition in W.P. No. 37611 of 2007. This writ petition was disposed of as follows: “The prayer in the writ petition is to quash the order of suspension dated 13.12.2007 passed against the petitioner, who is a Panchayat Assistant. Admittedly, as per Section 106 of the Tamil Nadu Pachayats Act, 1994, the President of the Village Panchayat is the Disciplinary Authority to pass the order of suspension and to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the servants of the Village Panchayat. The District Collector, who has passed the impugned order has no jurisdiction to pass such order. 2. Hence, the writ petition is allowed on the ground that the first respondent has no jurisdiction to pass the Impugned order. While setting aside the impugned order, it is open to the fourth respondent to pass fresh orders, if it is warranted. Consequently, the connected MP is closed. No costs.” Immediately, thereafter, the impugned order or temporary suspension was passed by the first respondent on 4.2.2008. Against that, the present writ petition has been filed. 3. The learned counsel for the petitioner. submitted that the order passed is contrary to Section 106 of the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act and the approval of the council has not been obtained for the order of suspension and further as per the enclosure to G.O. Ms. No. 176, Rural Development and Local Administration Department, dated 1.12.2006 the petitioner is entitled for a hearing before he is placed under temporary suspension. The learned counsel also submitted that there is no basis for the allegation that the petitioner has abused or unnecessarily criticised the actions of the first respondent. 4. No. 176, Rural Development and Local Administration Department, dated 1.12.2006 the petitioner is entitled for a hearing before he is placed under temporary suspension. The learned counsel also submitted that there is no basis for the allegation that the petitioner has abused or unnecessarily criticised the actions of the first respondent. 4. The learned counsel appearing for the first respondent would submit that none of the allegations made against the first respondent or her husband have any basis. Further, it is also submitted that the petitioner, who relies on G.O. Ms. No. 176 Rural Development and Local Administration Department, dated 5.12.2006 is also bound by the appeal provision mentioned in the said Government Order and the petitioner ought to have filed an appeal before the Block Development Officer and against chat she has a right of second appeal before the District Collector. 5. This Court does not intend to go into the averments in the counter but to see whether the petitioner can be placed under temporary suspension without being given an opportunity, the relevant paragraph in G.O. Ms. No. 176, Rural Development and Local Administration Department., dated 5.12.2006 is as follows: "Tamil" 6. Therefore, it la clear that it is open to the respondents to pass orders of censure, fine, stoppage of increment, stoppage of promotion, reduction of seniority, reduction in time scale, temporary suspension, and suspension for removal from service, but before doing so, the individual has to be given an opportunity of personal hearing for offering his explanation. This is obviously has not been done in the present case. 7. Valliappan, learned counsel for the first respondent is unable to say that the Government Order does not apply to the proceedings initiated against the petitioner. His only objection is that the petitioner ought to have availed of the appellate remedy and only thereafter come here under Article 226. 8. In the first place, if there is a violation of principles of natural justice, it is not necessary in all cases to avail of the appeal remedy and the aggrieved person can straightaway approach this Court under Article 226. Further, in this case, there is one more reason why the appeal remedy will be of no use to the petitioner. In the first place, if there is a violation of principles of natural justice, it is not necessary in all cases to avail of the appeal remedy and the aggrieved person can straightaway approach this Court under Article 226. Further, in this case, there is one more reason why the appeal remedy will be of no use to the petitioner. It is seen that on 29.1.2008, the Block Development Officer, who is the first appellate authority has directed the first respondent to take action against the petitioner in accordance with the High Courts decision as follows: "Tamil" 9. The second appellate authority, who is the Collector has already issued an order of suspension, which has been quashed at the instance of the petitioner Therefore, it is unlikely that the petitioner will get justice from either of the appellate authority and he is right in coming to the Court under Article 226. In view of the above, the impugned order is quashed. It is needless to state that the respondent is always at liberty to proceed against any of the Panchayat servants for acts of misconduct, but that has to be done in accordance with law and the liberty given shall not be considered as a direction to proceed against any one. Accordingly, the writ petition is allowed. Consequently connected miscellaneous petition is closed. No costs”