IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ANTONY DOMINIC TUESDAY, THE 20TH OCTOBER 2009 / 28TH ASWINA 1931 WP(C).No. 28358 of 2009(L) -------------------------- PETITIONER(S): --------------- B.LOKANATHAN, (SECRETARY (UNDER SUSPENSION), CHINNAKANAL GRAMA PANCHAYATH, IDUKKI DISTRICT), VETTATHUKATTIL HOUSE, PATTANAKKAD P.O., CHERTHALA. BY ADV. SRI.S.P.ARAVINDAKSHAN PILLAY SMT.N.SANTHA SRI.PETER JOSE CHRISTO SRI.S.A.ANAND SRI.K.A.BALAN RESPONDENT(S): --------------- 1. STATE OF KERALA, REP. BY THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN-695 001. 2. DIRECTOR OF PANCHAYATHS, THIRUVANANTAHPURAM, PIN-695 033. BY GOVT. PLEADER SMT. ANU SIVARAMAN THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 20/10/2009, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ANTONY DOMINIC, J. -------------------------------------------------- W.P.(C) NO. 28358 OF 2009 (L) -------------------------------------------------- Dated this the 20th day of October, 2009 J U D G M E N T Petitioner was the Secretary of Chinnakkanal Grama Panchayat in Idukki District. On the basis of certain allegations in relation to his tenure as Head Clerk in Pulinkunnu Grama Panchayat he was placed under suspension by Ext.P1 order on 5.12.2008. Subsequently, memo of charges were issued and according to the petitioner there has not been any progress in the matter. This writ petition was filed contending that the suspension is unnecessary and that at any rate the disciplinary action is liable to be concluded on expeditious basis. 2. Learned Government Pleader on instructions submits that steps are being taken and that disciplinary proceedings will be completed as early as possible. 3. In any case having regard to the fact that charge memo has already been issued and proceedings have been initiated, it is only appropriate that proceedings initiated pursuant to Ext.P2 and P5 shall be expedited and completed as expeditiously as possible and WPC.No.28358 /09 :2 : at any rate within 3 months from the date of production of a copy of the judgment. There will be a direction to that effect. It is also clarified that in case disciplinary proceedings are not completed within the aforesaid time limit, petitioner shall be reinstated on expiry of the period specified. Petitioner shall produce a copy of the judgment before the Ist respondent along with a copy of this writ petition for compliance. (ANTONY DOMINIC) JUDGE vi/