RASIKLAL MOHANLAL UNAVA Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Rule. Shri Digant.P.Joshi, learned A.G.P. appears for respondents instructed by Shri S.P.Hasurkar the learned Additional G.P. and waives service of rule.

(2.) This is a petition challenging the inaction on the part of the Government in not deciding the option exercised by the petitioner. The option was required to be given on account of bifurcation of Bhavnagar district. The petitioner originally belong to Bhavnagar district. On bifurcation of the district, the area in which he was posted at the relevant time has gone to Amreli District. The Government had asked for and the petitioner had exercised the option. It is important to note that such option was given in the year 1997. It was also understood that until the option given by the petitioner is decided, the petitioner will be allowed to continue to serve at the place at which he was serving at the relevant time. The petitioner was working at Jesar.

(3.) The petitioner has already exercised his option to remain in Bhavnagar district, which is his parent district and it would have been proper for the authorities to decide his option at the earliest. It is also averred in the petition that though his option was pending, the respondent Government made new recruitments. However, the learned advocate Shri P.J.Kanabar for the petitioner has prayed for the directions directing the respondents to fix rational criteria and/or basis for implementing and operating the option exercised by the petitioner for appointment in Bhavnagar district in the respective cadre as per order of Annexure "A" to the petition. It is not required at this stage to go into other contentions raised in the petition. As the learned advocate for the petitioner has stated that he will be satisfied if appropriate directions are issued to the aurhorities to decide the option of the petitioner pending before the Government since 1997, the grievance of the petitioner will stand redressed to a major extent. In that view of the matter, it will be in fitness of things and in the interest of justice to issue the following directions.