IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE, ANDHRA PRADESH AT HYDERABAD (Special Original Jurisdiction) THURSDAY, THE FIFTEENTH DAY OF SEPTEMBER TWO THOUSAND AND FIVE PRESENT THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE J.CHELAMESWAR AND THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.VENKATESWARA REDDY WRIT PETITION No.7579 OF 2005 Between: Md.Hasan, General Secretary, Andhra Pradesh Pensioners’ Samaj, (Affiliated to Bharat Pensioners’ Samaj, New Delhi. ..... PETITIONER AND The Secretary to Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances And Pensions, New Delhi, and others .....RESPONDENTS THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE J.CHELAMESWAR AND THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.VENKATESWARA REDDY WRIT PETITION No.7579 OF 2005 O R D E R (Per Sri Justice J.Chelameswar) This is a writ petition taken up on the basis of a representation sent by the General Secretary, Andhra Pradesh Pensioners Samaj. In the representation, it is alleged that large number of cases of the members of the Petitioners’ Samaj are pending consideration before the A.P. Administrative Tribunal, and the same are not being disposed of in view of the fact that a large number of vacancies of the Members of the Tribunal are not being filled up by the respondents, and therefore, it is prayed that an appropriate direction be given to the respondents to take necessary steps for filling up of the vacancies in the A.P. Administrative Tribunal and also further direction to the Tribunal to take necessary steps for an early disposal of the cases of the pensioners. The matter was admitted on 06.04.2005. A counter-affidavit is filed on behalf of the respondents, wherein it is stated that the sanctioned strength of the A.P. Administrative Tribunal is; a Chairman, two Vice-Chairmen and seven Members, of which the posts of two Vice-Chairmen and two Members are vacant. It is further stated in the counter-affidavit that insofar as two vacancies for the post of Vice-Chairmen are concerned, proposals have already been sent to the Government of India and the same are pending with it. With reference to the vacancy to the post of Members, it is stated that proposals are under active consideration. In the circumstances, we do not see any reason to give any direction to the respondents regarding filling up of the vacancies. Insofar as the prayer that the A.P. Administrative Tribunal be directed to dispose of the cases of the pensioners at an early date, it is stated in the counter-affidavit that there is a total of 425 cases of the pensioners pending before the Tribunal, and most of the cases are pending because of pending disciplinary action against some of the petitioners therein. In the absence of a proper pleading, it is not possible for this Court to go into the various reasons for pendency of these matters. But, in the circumstances, we are of the opinion that the Tribunal may consider and take appropriate steps for an early disposal of the cases, wherever disputes pertain to the payment of pension or other retirement benefits. The writ petition is accordingly disposed of. ----------------------------------- JUSTICE J.CHELAMESWAR ------------------------------------------------ JUSTICE M.VENKATESWARA REDDY 15th SEPTEMBER, 2005 PGS THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE J.CHELAMESWAR AND THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.VENKATESWARA REDDY WRIT PETITION No.7579 OF 2005 (Per Sri Justice J.Chelameswar) 15th SEPTEMBER, 2005