C. T. MUDDU KUMAR Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Since the contesting parties in these two writ petitions are presently employed with the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (hereinafter referred to as 'the KIADB' for short) and the challenge raised in both the writ petitions are common, these writ petitions are heard together and disposed of by this common order.

(2.) The petitioners in both the writ petitions have challenged the appointment of the respondent-Sri Gangadharaiah as General Manager of the respondent-Board, in terms of the notification dated 27.11.2019 and the office order dated 13.08.2020 reassigning duties and responsibilities amongst the Secretaries and General Manager.

(3.) Some of the admitted facts are that the petitioner in W.P.No.12800/2020 Sri C.T.Muddu Kumar and the respondent Sri Gangadharaiah who were under the services of the State Government, have been deputed to the KIADB. The petitioner in W.P.No.12598/2020, Sri V.H.Mahesha, was directly recruited to the KIADB by virtue of a competitive examination conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission. Sri V.H.Mahesha was promoted from the post of Assistant Secretary to Secretary on 17.08.2019. He was given posting as Secretary-II, on 19.10.2019. Whereas the other petitioner and respondent who were earlier working as Joint Directors in the Department of Commerce and Industries were deputed as Secretary-I and Joint Director (Industrial Infrastructure Projects), KIADB, vide notification dated 23.09.2019.