IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANTONY DOMINIC TUESDAY, THE 8TH JUNE 2010 / 18TH JYAISTHA 1932 WP(C).No. 17662 of 2010(G) -------------------------- PETITIONER(S): --------------- SUGATHAN, AGED 53 YEARS, S/O.MAMMAN, POOVALI HOUSE, PADIYOOR,THRISSUR, NOW WORKING AS JUNIOR SUPERINTENDENT, SOCIAL FOREST DIVISION, IDUKKI. BY ADV. SRI.V.M.KRISHNAKUMAR RESPONDENT(S): --------------- 1. CHIEF CONSERVATOR OF FOREST (ADMINISTRATION),FOREST HEAD QUARTERS, THIRUVANATHAPURAM. 2. SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF FOREST AND WILD LIFE,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. 3. ASSISTANT FOREST CONSERVATOR, SOCIAL FORESTRY DIVISION, IDUKKI. GOVERNMENT PLEADER SRI.ARAVINDKUMAR BABU THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 08/06/2010, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ANTONY DOMINIC, J ------------------- W.P.(C).17662/2010 -------------------- Dated this the 8th day of June, 2010 JUDGMENT Petitioner is a Junior Superintendent in Social Forestry Division, Idukki. According to him, he is eligible for promotion to the post of Senior Superintendent. It is stated that though vacancies are available, he has been denied promotion on account of the pendency of Ext.P1 memo of charges. Petitioner complains that since the issuance of Ext.P1 memo of charges, despite having filed Ext.P2 explanation, there has not been any progress in the matter. It is essentially complaining of the delay in the finalization of the disciplinary proceedings, this writ petition has been filed. 2. Once disciplinary proceedings are initiated against a Government servant, it has to be finalized on an expeditious basis. Ext.P1 was issued in December 2009 and immediately on receipt of the same, petitioner submitted Ext.P2 explanation. Therefore the 1st respondent has to take steps for expeditious W.P.(C).17662/10 2 completion of the disciplinary action. This the 1st respondent shall do as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within three months of production of a copy of this judgment along with the copy of the writ petition. Writ petition is disposed of as above. ANTONY DOMINIC, Judge mrcs