IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA CWJC No.10268 of 2007 BAL SWAROOP SINGH Versus THE STATE OF BIHAR & ORS -With- CWJC No.14253 of 2007 DHANANJAY KUMAR SINGH Versus THE STATE OF BIHAR & ORS -With- CWJC No.2136 of 2008 ASHOK KUMAR THAKUR Versus THE STATE OF BIHAR &ORS -With- CWJC No.2500 of 2008 LALAN PRASAD SINGH Versus THE STATE OF BIHAR & ORS -With- CWJC No.4278 of 2008 ASHOK KUMAR Versus THE STATE OF BIHAR & ORS ----------- 2. 19.01.2009 Heard the counsel for the petitioners and the State. Petitioners in all these writ applications have prayed for quashing the order dated 09.05.2004 contained in Memo No. 936 issued by the Director, Secondary Education, Government of Bihar, Patna terminating their services as teacher on the ground that they were appointed on the basis of forged appointment letters. The impugned order has been challenged by the petitioners on the ground that after remaining in service for more than 10 years, they have been terminated in violation - 2 - of the rule of natural justice. Another ground which has been taken by the petitioners is that in the similar matter, the Apex Court has directed to the state government to take appropriate action in the light of outcome of the criminal prosecution launched, if any, against the respondents (teachers). Criminal case has been instituted against the petitioners also by the respondents in relation to their appointment on the basis of forged appointment letters, till date the criminal proceeding has not reached to its finality. Considering these facts, the writ applications are disposed of, in terms of order passed by the Supreme Court of India in Special Leave to Appeal (Civil) No. 11551 of 2004. The order of termination passed against the petitioners is quashed. The respondents have liberty to take proper action against the petitioners subject to the final outcome of the Criminal case launched against them. It is also open to the respondents to initiate proper departmental proceeding against the petitioners giving them liberty to defend themselves. In case, charges are proved against the petitioners during pendency of the criminal proceeding, appropriate action may be taken against them. AKV/ (Mridula Mishra,J.)