CWP (T) No. 2480/2008 2.3.2009: Present: Mr. Bhuvnesh Sharma, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. R.K. Sharma, Sr. Addl. A.G. with Mr. Rajinder Dogra, Additional Advocate General and Mr. Vikas Rathore, Deputy Advocate General for the respondents. The petitioner was promoted as a regular Patwari vide office order dated 6.8.1993. The appointment/promotion of the petitioner was assailed by one Sh. Tilak Raj before the Divisional Commissioner, Kangra at Dharamshala. The Divisional Commissioner, Kangra at Dharamshala allowed the representation made by Sh. Tilak Raj. However, the petitioner was not afforded reasonable opportunity of being heard by the Divisional Commissioner, Kangra at Dharamshala. The petitioner was reverted on the basis of the order dated 30.3.1994 passed by the Divisional Commissioner to the post of casual Patwari. It is settled law by now that any order which has civil consequences must be passed in conformity with the principles of natural justice. The Divisional Commissioner, Kangra at Dharamshala was required to hear the petitioner before deciding the representation finally made by Sh. Tilak Raj. The order dated 30.3.1994 passed by the Divisional Commissioner Kangra at Dharamshala is not sustainable since the same has been passed in violation of the principles of natural justice. Similarly, order dated 24.3.1995 passed on the basis of order dated 30.3.1994 is also not sustainable. Accordingly, the writ petition is allowed. The impugned orders dated 30.3.1994 and 24.3.1995 are quashed and set aside. However, the liberty is reserved to the respondents to afford reasonable opportunity of being heard to the petitioner before passing appropriate order. There shall, however, be no order as to costs. (Rajiv Sharma), March 2, 2009 Judge. *Awasthi*