Ajit Kumar vs Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation And Others

Ajay Mohan Goel, J

By way of this writ petition, the petitioner has, inter alia, prayed for the following relief:-

“That the writ in the nature of mandamus may kindly be issued thereby directing the respondents to decide the charge sheet number 754 dated 06.05.2023 pending in respect of petitioner within time bound manner as soon as possible at the earliest, pending for about one year as he is due for retirement 30th November, 2024 and further to promote him in service strictly as per his seniority to the post of inspector from du date alongwith all consequential benefits and arrears with 12% interest per annum.”

When the case was listed on 21.03.2024, the following order was passed:-

“Notice confined to respondents No.1 to 3, respectively. Mr. Vinod K. Gupta, learned counsel, accepts notice on behalf of the said respondents.

As prayed for, list on 25.04.2024, on which date the respondent -corporation to inform the Court whether the petitioner was considered by the Departmental Promotion Committee for promotion to the post of Inspector and if not, then why he was ignored and whether the sealed cover procedure was followed or not.”

Today, learned counsel appearing for the respondents-Corporation has apprised the Court on the basis of instructions imparted by General Manager, Himachal Road Transport Corporation, Shimla, H.P., that the case of the petitioner was considered for promotion to the post of Inspector by the Departmental Promotion Committee meetings, which was held on 14.02.2024 and as Departmental Proceedings was pending against the petitioner, the result of DPC of the petitioner was kept in sealed cover.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that in view of the fact that the petitioner is going to superannuate on 30.11.2024, this writ petition be disposed of with the direction that the disciplinary proceedings be completed as expeditiously as possible.

Accordingly, as prayed for, this writ petition is disposed of with the direction that disciplinary proceedings initiated against the petitioner be expedited and completed by 31.08.2024.