VEERENDRA SINGH PUNDIR Vs. STATE OF UTTARAKHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Sri Devesh Bishnoi, learned counsel for the petitioner, and Sri Vikas Pandey, learned Standing Counsel for the State Government and, with their consent, the writ petition is disposed of at the stage of admission.

(2.) The jurisdiction of this Court, under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, has been invoked by the petitioner seeking a writ of certiorari to quash the Office Memorandum dated 14.01.2020 passed by the first-respondent placing the petitioner under suspension, for financial irregularities, without causing an inquiry, and without any reason and involvement of the petitioner; a writ of mandamus directing the respondent authorities to conduct and conclude the departmental inquiry regarding the alleged financial irregularities within two months or prior to his superannuation due on 31.03.2020; and a writ of mandamus directing the respondent authorities to allow the petitioner to continue to work in the post of Executive Engineer In-charge, PWD, Uttarkashi where he had been working prior to his suspension.

(3.) Facts, to the limited extent necessary, are that, while the petitioner was working as an Executive Engineer In-Charge, in the Public Works Department in the Uttarkashi Division, he was placed under suspension by the first-respondent on charges of financial irregularities in the tender process, and in the award of contract with respect to the construction of the Dunda-Devidhar to Khattukhal motor road. The petitioner has, in the writ affidavit, given his version of the events, which took place, in justification of his claim that the allegations levelled against him, for placing him under suspension, are arbitrary and illegal.