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2019 DIGILAW 1263 (PAT)

Indrajit Sahni v. State of Bihar

2019-09-06

CHAKRADHARI SHARAN SINGH

body2019
ORDER This writ application has been filed by 20 petitioners seeking direction to the respondent State of Bihar to appoint them on the post of Panchayat Secretary. It is their claim that they have served as Dalpatis under Panchayat for several years and in the light of policy decisions taken by the State Government from time to time and various orders issued by this Court, they are entitled to be appointed as Panchayat Secretary. 2. My attention has been drawn to a Division Bench decision of this Court in case of State of Bihar and Others vs. Subhash Chandra Shukla and Others, reported in 2009(4) PLJR 569 , by Mr. Ajay, learned G.A.-5, to submit that Dalpatis cannot claim, as a matter of right, their appointment as Panchayat Secretary. Paragraph 15 of the said judgment reads thus : – “15.We, however, note the submission of the learned Advocate General that the State Government is promisebound to appoint 531 Panchayat Secretaries from amongst Dalpatis for the reason that the same is being done in compliance of the orders of the Court which have attained finality. The orders of the learned Single Judges in those writ petitions have not been brought to our notice, let alone those being the subject matter of the present appeal. We are in no position to appreciate the circumstances which persuaded the courts to pass orders to the effect that those petitioners, who were working as Dalpatis, shall be considered for appointment/promotion as Panchayat Sewaks. It is a possible situation, only to illustrate it in a hypothetical manner, that the State Government may have taken the decision to appoint Panchayat Sewak/Panchayat Secretary from amongst Dalpatis to meet the emergent situation on account of the vast number of vacant posts of Panchayat Sewak/ Secretary in the State of Bihar.” 3. My attention has also been drawn to Rule 4 of Bihar Gram Panchayat (Appointment of Secretary, Rights and Duties) Rules, 2011, sub-rule (1) thereof states that there shall be cent-percent direct appointment to the post of Gram Panchayat Secretary. The Rules lay down essential qualification and age limit for appointment to the said post. 4. My attention has also been drawn to Rule 4 of Bihar Gram Panchayat (Appointment of Secretary, Rights and Duties) Rules, 2011, sub-rule (1) thereof states that there shall be cent-percent direct appointment to the post of Gram Panchayat Secretary. The Rules lay down essential qualification and age limit for appointment to the said post. 4. In view of the provision under the statutory rules, framed in exercise of power conferred under Section 146 of Bihar Panchayat Raj Act, 2006, providing for direct appointment to the post of Panchayat Secretary, as the only method, the relief, which the petitioners are seeking, cannot be allowed. 5. I do not find any difficulty in holding that no appointment to the post of Panchayat Secretary could have been made nor can be made after coming into force of 2011 Rules in a manner contrary to the provisions of the Rules. 6. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioners has submitted that their cases may be directed to be considered by the authorities, on their representation. He contends that in similar circumstance, this Court by an order, dated 01.05.2019, passed in C.W.J.C. No. 6808 of 2016, has disposed of the writ application with an observation that the petitioner shall be at liberty to approach the Director, Panchayati Raj, Government of Bihar, by filing representation, which shall be disposed of in accordance with law. 7. In my view, however, there being specific rules framed laying down procedure for appointment against the post of Panchayat Secretaries, relief, which the petitioners are seeking, cannot be granted. 8. This application is accordingly dismissed.