IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE V.GIRI MONDAY, THE 16TH JUNE 2008 / 26TH JYAISHTA 1930 WP(C).No. 16341 of 2008(U) -------------------------- PETITIONER: ------------ K.T.JOSEPH, AGED 54 YEARS, S/O.K.J.THOMAS, OPERATOR, P.H.MEDICAL COLLEGE SECTION, KERALA WATER AUTHORITY, KOTTAYAM. BY ADV. SRI.M.R.GOPALAKRISHNAN NAIR SRI.K.KRISHNANKUTTY NAYAR RESPONDENTS: ------------- 1. THE STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT, WATER RESOURCES (WSB) DEPARTMENT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. 2. THE KERALA WATER AUTHORITY, REPRESENTED BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, JALABHAVAN, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. 3. THE CHIEF ENGINEER (IPS & GL), CHAIRMAN, GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL COMMITTEE, KERALA WATER AUTHORITY, JALABHAVAN, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. BY SC SRI.J.KRISHNAKUMAR GP SMT.M.R.SREELATHA THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 16/06/2008, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: V.GIRI, J ------------------- W.P.(C).16341/2008 -------------------- Dated this the 16th day of June, 2008 JUDGMENT Petitioner is an NMR Operator, who was originally absorbed as NMR Worker with effect from 1.4.1979. According to the petitioner, he ought to have been absorbed as NMR Operator with reference to an earlier date, namely 10.10.1977 and the Water Authority had taken a decision in that regard in its 256th meeting held on 30.3.2004, as evidenced by Ext.P5. Water Authority has sought for the approval of the said decision, as per Ext.P6. Since a decision entails financial commitment, the same is pending approval with the Government, as evidenced by Ext.P7. 2. I heard learned counsel for the petitioner, learned Standing Counsel for the Water Authority and the learned Government Pleader. 3. In my view, Government ought to take a decision on the request made by the Water Authority for approval of W.P.(C).16341/2008 2 Ext.P5 resolution for giving date of effect of the petitioner’s absorption as NMR Operator from 10.10.1977. 4. In the result, writ petition is disposed of directing the first respondent, Government, to pass orders on the request made under Ext.P6 and reiterated in Ext.P7 for approval of Ext.P5 resolution. Such orders shall be passed within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. Petitioner and a representative of the Water Authority shall be heard by the Government before a decision is taken, as aforementioned. V.GIRI, Judge mrcs