MINIPRIYA R. Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, who has been working in the Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Thevara, Kochi and who has about 12 years of service, is challenging Ext.P3 order of suspension and Ext.P12 order of termination issued by the 5th respondent-Manager.

(2.) The petitioner states that she was issued with Ext.P3 notice of suspension dtd. 3/5/2024 in contemplation of disciplinary proceedings. The petitioner would urge that enquiry was proceeded with without even issuing a formal charge sheet. The respondents refused to sanction and pay subsistence allowance. The charges levelled against the petitioner in the suspension order were vague and was not accompanied by the statement of the allegation on which each charge is framed.

(3.) The petitioner was not provided with copies of relevant documents. The petitioner was not permitted to effectively cross-examine the witnesses. A student, who filed complaint against the petitioner was included in the College level grievance redressal committee, at whose instance the suspension order was issued. Exts.P3 and P12 are therefore vitiated.