IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA CWJC No.6617 of 2008 MANORMA KUMARI Versus THE STATE OF BIHAR & ORS ----------- 4. 29.08.2008 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and for private Respondents 10, 12, 13, 14 & 17. The petitioner, who was appointed as a Panchayat teacher, is aggrieved by the termination of her services by order dated 24.1.2008 passed by the Block Development Officer (Respondent no. 6). The facts are not in controversy that in pursuance of an advertisement and process of selection, preparation of panel, the petitioner came to be appointed as such on 30.11.2007 and joined on 7.12.2007. That an allegation may have been made with regard to any alleged illegality in the process of appointment, makes it apparent that the petitioner was the fulcrum of the allegations. Respondent no. 6 then initiated an enquiry issuing notice to the private Respondent no. 17 and the complainant. He, however, did not consider it necessary to issue notice to those who are going to be affected by the proposed decision. In this manner Respondent no. 6 arrived at a decision of illegality of the appointment of the petitioner behind her back leading to the issuance of the order of termination. Learned counsel for the petitioner is very right in the submission that in exercise of his statutory powers under Rule 18 of the Bihar Panchayat Primary Teachers (Appointment and Service - 2 - Conditions) Rules, 2006 the compliance of principles of natural justice by Respondent no. 6 was mandatory before any order prejudicial to the petitioner could be passed. Learned counsels appearing for Respondents 10,, 12, 13 & 14, the complainant do not dispute the factual position that during such enquiry by respondent no. 6 of the illegality of the appointment of the petitioner, no notice was issued to the petitioner neither she was heard in the matter. Any order passed in violation of the principles of natural justice is like a still born child, it never comes into existence. The impugned order dated 24.1.2008 is quashed. The writ application stands allowed. AkS/ (Navin Sinha, J.)