K.SANTHOSH KUMAR Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, presently working as a District Judge, has filed the captioned writ petition seeking to challenge the punishment imposed upon him, by which a reduction to the lower post of Munsiff-Magistrate for a period of three years was ordered, while he was working as the Sub Judge, Muvattupuzha.

(2.) While the petitioner was working as the Sub Judge, Muvattupuzha, pursuant to Ext.P1 order issued by the 2nd respondent herein, he was placed under suspension. Ext.P2 memo of charges dtd. 24/3/2015 was issued to the petitioner by the 2nd respondent, containing as many as six charges. Not satisfied with the written statement of defense filed by the petitioner, an Enquiry Officer is appointed by the 2nd respondent to probe into the charges against the petitioner. Ext.P5 is the report dtd. 16/4/2016 submitted by the Enquiry Officer appointed as above, being not satisfied with the objections filed by the petitioner to the notice issued. On the basis of the enquiry, Ext.P8 notice proposing penalty of reduction to the lower post of Munsiff - Magistrate for a period of three years was issued to the petitioner. He submitted Ext.P9 reply to the afore notice. By Ext.P10, the 2nd respondent confirmed the proposal to impose penalty of reduction to the lower post of Munsiff - Magistrate. The 1st respondent Government issued consequential orders on that basis, by Ext.P12. The 2nd respondent, thereafter, issued Ext.P13 by revoking the suspension ordered by Ext.P1 order and reinstating the petitioner as Munsiff - Magistrate. The petitioner was later promoted as Sub Judge on 15/4/2024 and as District Judge on 24/4/2024.

(3.) It is challenging the disciplinary proceedings concluded against the petitioner as above, the captioned writ petition is filed.