IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE V.GIRI WEDNESDAY, THE 25TH JUNE 2008 / 4TH ASHADHA 1930 WP(C).No. 17372 of 2008(R) -------------------------- PETITIONER/ PETITIONER ---------------------- THOMAS CHACKO, UPPER DIVISION CLERK (UNDER SUSPENSION), DISTRICT PANCHAYATH, IDUKKI, RESIDING AT AZHIMUKHAM, MARIAPURAM.P.O, IDUKKI - 02. BY ADV. SRI.S.P.ARAVINDAKSHAN PILLAY SMT.N.SANTHA SRI.S.A.ANAND RESPONDENTS/ RESPONDENTS ------------------------ 1. STATE OF KERALA, REP. BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, TRIVANDRUM-01. 2. DISTRICT PANCHAYATH, IDUKKI, REP. BY ITS SECRETARY, OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT PANCHAYATH, IDUKKI, KUYILIMALA, PAINAVU, IDUKKI - 03. 3. PRESIDENT, DISTRICT PANCHAYATH, IDUKKI, OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT PANCHAYATH, IDUKKI, KUYILIMALA, PAINAVU, IDUKKI-03. 4. DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, DIRECTORATE OF AGRICULTURE, TRIVANDRUM - 33. 5. PRINCIPAL, AGRICULTURAL OFFICER, IDUKKI, THODUPUZHA, PIN - 685 584. BY GOVERNMENT PLEADER SMT.M.R. SREELATHA THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 25/06/2008, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: V.GIRI, J ------------------- W.P.(C).17372/2008 -------------------- Dated this the 25th day of June, 2008 JUDGMENT While working as U.D.Clerk on deputation to the District Panchayat, Idukki, from the Department of Agriculture, petitioner was placed under suspension, pending detailed enquiry, as per Ext.P1 order dated 29.6.2006. Petitioner sought for a revocation of suspension as evidenced by Ext.P5. Ext.P6 shows that the Principal Agricultural Officer, Idukki, has requested the Secretary of the Idukki District Panchayat to complete the disciplinary proceedings within a time frame that has not been responded to so far, submits learned counsel for the petitioner. Hence the writ petition. 2. I heard learned counsel for the petitioner Sri.Aravindakshan Pillay and the learned Government Pleader Smt.M.R.Sreelatha. 3. There is no point in prolonging the suspension of the petitioner. The Principal, Agricultural Office, Idukki, from W.P.(C).17372/2008 2 where the petitioner was received on deputation, has indicated these aspects in Ext.P6. The enquiry has not progressed for a period of more than 18 months. 4. In the result, writ petition is disposed of directing the fourth respondent, Director of Agriculture, to take a decision as to whether disciplinary proceedings are to be initiated against the petitioner. Such decision shall be taken within one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. If it is decided to take disciplinary proceedings, it shall be completed within three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. If the proceedings are not completed within the aforementioned time frame, petitioner shall be reinstated without prejudice to the right to complete the enquiry. V.GIRI, Judge mrcs