Rajesh Gupta vs State Of J&K; & Ors

4. We may briefly notice the relevant facts leading to the filing of the writ petition in the High Court.

5. Upon being selected by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission, the appellant was appointed as Soil Conservation Assistant in the Department of Agriculture Production in March, 1981. On 20th April, 1985 he was posted as Assistant Engineer in Rural Engineering Wing (hereinafter referred to as 'REW'), Ramban, District Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. He was promoted on the post of Assistant Executive Engineer in REW in September, 1988. While he was posted as such, three separate criminal cases were registered against him on the basis of

6. On 5th March, 2003, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, General Administration Department by Government Order No. 306-GAD of 2003 dated 5th March, 2003 constituted a Committee to consider the cases of officers/officials for premature retirement in terms of Article 226(2) and 226(3) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services Regulations, 1956. On 1st April, 2003, further directions were issued by the Government indicating the circumstances which would be relevant for making a recommendation for premature retirement of a public servant. On 9th May, 2003 the appellant was directed to be attached to the office of the Director, Rural Development, Jammu pending an enquiry into some allegations on the appellant. On 22nd July, 2003, an enquiry report was submitted into the suspected irregularities in the execution of “Rural Development Works” in the eleven Blocks of Jammu and Kashmir. Clause 1 of the terms of reference of the enquiry related to the execution of works during 2002-2003 particularly during the month of March, 2003. It was as under:-

10. In spite of having a blemish-free record of service as noticed above, the appellant was directed to be prematurely retired by order dated 26th April, 2005 on the basis of the recommendations made by the High Powered Review Committee. The conclusion on the basis of which the recommendations for retirement of the appellant has been made are as under:-

12. On the basis of these recommendations the Government issued the order of retirement which was impugned by the appellant in the writ petition.

25. Examining the fact situation in this case on the basis of the aforesaid principles, it becomes evident that recommendation made by the High Powered Committee was indubitably arbitrary.

26. The report submitted by the Additional DGP CID is as follows:

vii) 3 kanals of land at Greater Kailash Colony, Jammu whose market value is about Rs.25 lacs.

viii) 10 Marla plot at Bathindi valuing Rs.3 lacs.

Sd/-

31. Consequently, the appeal is allowed, the impugned order of the premature retirement of the appellant dated 26th April, 2005 is quashed and set aside. It is brought to our notice that the appellant has still not reached the age of superannuation. He is, therefore, directed to be reinstated in service. In view of the fact that the appellant has not challenged the order of premature retirement on the ground that the action taken by the Government was malafide, it would not be appropriate in this case, to follow the normal rule of grant of full backwages on reinstatement. We, however, direct that the appellant shall be paid 30% of the backwages from the date of order of premature retirement till reinstatement. He shall not be entitled to any interest on the backwages.

32. We may further observe that upon reinstatement, it shall be open to the Government to post the appellant on a non sensitive post in view of the background of the case.

33. Let the order be implemented within a period of four weeks.

34. There shall be no order as to costs.