Patna High Court Halts Fresh Appointments Of Scheduled Caste Panel Head, Members Amid Dispute Over Official Removal
In response to a plea filed by three officials of the Scheduled Caste (SC) Commission against their removal, the Patna High Court has directed the state government to refrain from making any new appointments for the chairman and members' positions. Justice Sandeep Kumar, presiding over the case, issued this directive last week during the hearing of a writ petition filed on behalf of...
In response to a plea filed by three officials of the Scheduled Caste (SC) Commission against their removal, the Patna High Court has directed the state government to refrain from making any new appointments for the chairman and members' positions.
Justice Sandeep Kumar, presiding over the case, issued this directive last week during the hearing of a writ petition filed on behalf of the officials, including one Rajendra Kumar.
The petition sought several reliefs, including the quashing of a notification dated February 2, 2024, which removed the petitioners from their roles as Chairman and members of the State Scheduled Caste Commission, citing administrative exigency and public interest under clause 4(Ga) of Resolution memo no. 5614 dated November 18, 2009.
The petition also sought their reinstatement and payment of salaries and emoluments from the date of their removal.
Advocate Y.V. Giri, representing the petitioners, argued that the removal lacked justification and violated principles of natural justice, emphasizing that such decisions cannot be made abruptly without cause and without adhering to due process.
Responding to the plea, Justice Kumar directed, “The State is directed to file para-wise counter affidavit in the matter on or before the next date of hearing.”
“During pendency of the writ petition, no fresh appointment shall be made on the post of the petitioner,” he added.
Appearance:
For the Petitioner/s: Mr.Pranav Kumar
For the Respondent/s: Mr.Standing Counsel 15
Case No.: Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No.3472 of 2024
Case Title: Rajendra Kumar And Ors vs The State of Bihar And Ors