IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.N.RAVINDRAN FRIDAY, THE 26TH JUNE 2009 / 5TH ASHADHA 1931 WP(C).No. 17891 of 2009(F) ---------------------------------------- PETITIONER(S): ----------------------- C.C.RAMESH BABU, DEPUTY RANGER (RETD.) S/O. CHATHU, AGED 56 YEARS,CHAKKAMADATHIL HOUSE, KANDASSANKADAVU P.O. KARAMUKKU, TRICHUR -680 613. BY ADVS. MR.T.SETHUMADHAVAN, MR.PUSHPARAJAN KODOTH, MR.K.JAYESH MOHANKUMAR, SMT.VANDANA MENON, SMT.ANJU P.NAIR. RESPONDENT(S): --------------------------- GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, REP. BY THE SECRETARY, FOREST DEPARTMENT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. BY GOVERNMENT PLEADER MR. P.NANDAKUMAR THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 26/06/2009, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: Kss P.N.RAVINDRAN, J. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= W.P.(C) No. 17891 of 2009 F =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Dated this the 26th day of June, 2009 JUDGMENT The petitioner is a pensioner. He retired from service on 31-5-2007, while he was working as Deputy Ranger in the Forest department. While in service, disciplinary action was initiated against him on three counts. In respect of one charge, the petitioner was exonerated. In respect of the other two actions, by Ext.P1 order passed on 16-1-2008 and by Ext.P4 order passed on 20-12-2008, the Chief Conservator of Forests (Administration) imposed on the petitioner the punishment of barring of one increment without cumulative effect and the punishment of barring of two increments with cumulative effect respectively. Aggrieved by Exts.P1 and P4 orders, the petitioner has filed Exts.P6 and P7 appeals under Rule 23 of the the Kerala Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1960 before the Government, the competent authority. Exts.P6 and P7 appeals were presented on 5-3-2009. In this writ petition the petitioner seeks expeditious disposal of Exts.P6 and P7 appeals. 2. The pleadings disclose that the appeals have been filed within two months from the date on which the impugned orders were passed and W.P.(C) No. 17891/09 2 communicated to the petitioner. By Ext.P5 judgment this Court has permitted the petitioner to file appeals within one month from 12-2-2009. Such being the situation, since the petitioner has invoked a statutory remedy available to him by way of appeal and as he has already retired from service on 31-5-2007, nearly two years back, I am of the opinion that Government should consider Exts.P6 and P7 appeals and take a decision thereon expeditiously. I accordingly dispose of this writ petition with a direction to the Secretary to Government, Forest and Wild Life department to consider Exts.P6 and P7 appeals and pass orders thereon, after affording the petitioner a reasonable opportunity of being heard. Final orders in this matter shall be passed within three months from the date on which the petitioner produces a certified copy of this judgment before the Secretary to Government. The Secretary to Government shall after orders are passed as directed above, communicate a copy thereof to the petitioner expeditiously. P.N.RAVINDRAN, JUDGE. mn.