IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE V.GIRI TUESDAY, THE 16TH OCTOBER 2007 / 24TH ASWINA 1929 WP(C).No. 30664 of 2007(A) -------------------------- PETITIONER: ------------------ JAMES MATHEW, AGED 47 YEARS, S/O.K.POULOSE, FOREST RANGE OFFICER, SOCIAL FOREST RANGE,PRIVANTHOOR, PUNALUR. BY ADVS. SRI.V.N.ACHUTHA KURUP (SR.) & SRI.B.S.SWATHY KUMAR RESPONDENTS: ----------------------- 1. STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, FOREST AND WILD LIFE DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETRIRAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. 2. CHIEF CONSERVATOR OF FORESTS (ADMINISTRATION), FOREST HEAD QUARTERS, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. 3. THE DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTION COMMITTEE (HIGHER) FOREST AND WILD LIFE DEPARTMENT, REPRESENTED BY ITS CONVENOR, KERALA STATE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. BY GOVERNMENT PLEADER SRI.BEJOY CHANDRAN THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 16/10/2007, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: V.GIRI, J. ------------------------- W.P.(C).No.30664 of 2007 A ------------------------- Dated this the 16th day of October, 2007. JUDGMENT Departmental proceedings have been initiated against the petitioner as evidenced by Exts.P1 to P4 issued on 23.8.2003, 26.11.2003, 19.9.2005 and 26.10.2005 respectively. They have not been completed so far. In the meanwhile, the petitioner's name has not been considered for promotion to the post of Assistant Conservator. 2. Pendency of departmental proceedings by itself need not deter the Departmental Promotion Committee in considering the case of a person for promotion. Obviously, in such cases, sealed cover procedure can be adopted. This procedure may be adopted in the case of the petitioner also. Having heard learned counsel for the petitioner, the writ petition is disposed of directing that the departmental proceedings initiated as per Exts.P1 to P4 shall be completed within a period of 3 months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. Sd/- (V.GIRI) JUDGE sk/ //true copy// P.S. To Judge