IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA CWJC No.10694 of 2010 1. SMT. MADHURI LATA W/O MUNA LAL R/O VILL.- NATHOCK, PUNNADIH, P.O. JETHULI, P.S.- DIDARGANJ, DISTT.- PATNA 2. SMT. RITA SINHA W/O SRI RAJNISH KUMAR SINHA R/O VILLAGE + P.O.- FATHEPUR, DISTT.- PATNA 3. SMT. GITA DEVI W/O SHVD UT PRASAD R/O VILL.- MADHYOPUR (EAST TOLA), P.O. RUKANPUR, P.S. DIDARGANJ, DISTT.- PATNA 4. SMT. GAURI DEVI W/O LATE CHHOTE LAL R/O VILL.- MADHOPUR (SOUTH TOLA), P.S.- DIDARGANJ, DISTT.- PATNA Versus 1. THE STATE OF BIHAR THROUGH THE PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR, PATNA 2. THE COMMISSIONER, PATNA DIVISION, PATNA 3. THE DIRECTOR, I.C.D.S. DIRECTORATE SOCIAL AND WELFARE DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR, PATNA 4. THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE, PATNA 5. THE DISTRICT PROGRAMME OFFICER, PATNA 6. THE BLOCK DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, PATNA SADAR, PATNA 7. THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OFFICER (PATNA RURAL), PATNA ----------- 2/ 21/06/2011 Heard learned counsel for the petitioners and learned counsel for the State. The petitioners are stated to be Angan Bari Sevikas at different centres. They are aggrieved by the order dated 30.4.2008 passed by the Director, I.C.D.S. terminating their services on grounds of dereliction of duties. Learned counsel for the petitioners submits that orders are in violation of principles of natural justice inasmuch as a show cause notice was issued by the C.D.P.O. The petitioners filed their reply. No notice was given by the Director. Learned counsel for the State submits from the counter affidavit that notices were issued to the petitioners by the Director, I.C.D.S. also. 2 The Circulars of the Government provide that the District Programme Officer is competent to enquire into allegations of dereliction of duties by an Angan Bari Sevika resulting in termination. Appeal against the same lies before the District Magistrate. Passing of the order by the Director himself deprives the petitioners of an appellate remedy. Whether it be denial of appellate opportunity or denial of hearing at the stage of passing of the impugned orders, the writ petition has to succeed on both counts. The impugned order dated 30.4.2008 is accordingly set aside. If the respondents so desire, they may proceed afresh by initiation of a fresh proceeding by the District Programme Officer appeal against which shall lie for the aggrieved before the District Magistrate. The application stands disposed. KC ( Navin Sinha, J.)