SUO MOTU Vs. TRAVANCORE DEVASWOM BOARD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This report filed by the Special Commissioner relates to the necessity for posting additional staff for special duty at Sabarimala, Pamba and Nilakkal. In the report, it is stated that several employees of the Travancore Devaswom Board who are posted for special duty at Sabarimala, Pamba and Nilakkal are reluctant to report for duty. Therefore, the direction sought for in this report is an order directing the 1st respondent Travancore Devaswom Board and the 3rd respondent Devaswom Commissioner to depute 20 additional staff in Establishment wing, 200 additional class 4 employees and 250 daily wages employees for special duty at Sabarimala, Pamba and Nilakkal. The Special Commissioner has also sought for an order directing the Travancore Devaswom Board to initiate disciplinary action against the employees who are deputed for special duty at Sabarimala, Pamba and Nilakkal, if they are reluctant or not willing to do such duty.

(2.) Insofar as the engagement of 250 daily wages employees is concerned, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board would submit that a notification has already been issued and the candidates are required to appear for interviews before the Chief Engineer, Travancore Devaswom Board, on 20.12.2021.

(3.) Having considered the report of the Special Commissioner and also the submissions made by the learned Amicus Curiae for the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala and also the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board, we deem it appropriate to direct the 3rd respondent Devaswom Commissioner to depute 20 additional staff in the Establishment wing and 200 additional class 4 employees for special duty at Sabarimala, Pamba and Nilakkal. Necessary orders in this regard shall be issued within two days and the said fact shall be reported to this Court. In case, any of the employees deputed for special duty at Sabarimala, Pamba and Nilakkal are reluctant to join duty, other than on genuine medical grounds, they shall be proceeded against by initiating disciplinary proceeding.