S.Sivaprasadan Pillai vs Travancore Devaswom Board, Represented By The Secretary, Nanthancode, Thiruvananthapuram 695033

V.G.Arun, J

The petitioner entered the service of the Travancore Devaswom Board as watcher on 15.08.2012 and is presently working in that capacity at the

Anandavalleeswaram Devaswom under Kollam Group. The petitioner is aggrieved by Ext.P6 order, transferring him from Anandavalleeswaram in

Kollam Group to the Neyyattinkara Group. Ext.P6 reveals that the transfer is punitive in nature and an enquiry has been initiated against the petitioner.

The petitioner has his own version regarding the complaint and the enquiry. Pointing out these aspects, the petitioner preferred Ext.P9 appeal before

the first respondent.

Without venturing into the factual disputes involved, I deem it appropriate to direct the appellate authority to consider the petitioner’s appeal and

to pass a reasoned order thereon. There is some merit in the contention of learned Counsel for the petitioner that the transfer from Kollam Group to

Neyyattinkara will visit the petitioner, a law paid employee, with adverse civil consequences. This is an aspect which the first respondent should take

into account while taking a decision on the petitioner’s appeal.

In the result, the writ petition is disposed of, directing the first respondent to consider and pass orders on Ext.P9 appeal within three weeks of receipt

of a copy of this judgment. To effectuate proper consideration of the appeal, the petitioner shall produce a copy of this writ petition along with the

certified copy of the judgment. Needless to say, that the petitioner shall be afforded an opportunity of hearing, either in person or through virtual mode,

before passing orders on the appeal. Further proceedings based on Ext.P6 order shall be kept in abeyance till a decision is rendered on the appeal and

the petitioner served with a copy of the appellate order.