IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE S.SIRI JAGAN WEDNESDAY, THE 15TH JULY 2009 / 24TH ASHADHA 1931 WP(C).No. 18308 of 2009(G) ------------------------------------ PETITIONER(S): --------------------- GIGIMON V.T., VALAYATHIL, THOMAS, 38 YEARS OF AGE, VELLIKULAM P.O., KOTTAYAM-686580. BY ADVS. SRI.MANUEL KACHIRAMATTAM SMT.MERRY GEORGE RESPONDENT(S): ------------------------ 1. STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT, GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. 2. DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OFFICER, KANJIRAPPALLY, KOTTAYAM. 3. CORPORATE MANAGER, CORPORATE EDUCATIONAL AGENCY, DIOCESE OF PALAI, KOTTAYAM. BY GOVERNMENT PLEADER MR. A.J.VARGHESE THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 15/07/2009, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: S. SIRI JAGAN, J ............................................... W.P(C) No. 18308 of 2009 ................................................. Dated this the 15th day of July, 2009 J U D G M E N T The petitioner was a teacher of the St.Antony's High School, Vellikulam. He has been suspended on charges of sexually harassing one of the students in his class. After a preliminary enquiry, the 2nd respondent directed the Manager to take immediate disciplinary action against the petitioner. The manager issued a show cause notice and pending disciplinary proceedings, the manager suspended the petitioner from service. The petitioner has been under suspension since 29.9.2008. Despite the same, the disciplinary proceedings are not being completed is the grievance of the petitioner in this writ petition. 2. I have heard the learned Government Pleader also. 3. I am of opinion that having suspended the petitioner, pending disciplinary proceedings, respondents 2 and 3 have a duty to complete the disciplinary proceedings within a reasonable time. Taking into account the facts and circumstances of the case, I direct respondents 2 and 3 to W.P(C) No. 18308 of 2009 -2- complete the disciplinary proceedings initiated against the petitioner, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within six months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. S. SIRI JAGAN, JUDGE rhs