P. KASI Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The writ petitioner in W.P. No.15384 of 2009 has preferred the above appeal against the order of dismissal of the writ petition.

(2.) The appellant was initially engaged in the services of a Plot Watcher in Cheyyar Afforestation Range, Tiruvannamalai Division with effect from 1.12.1985. After 10 years of service on 21.03.1995, he was disengaged from the service along with seven other persons due to the financial cut imposed by the Swedish International Development Authority Project, who was funding the scheme.

(3.) Subsequently, the Government order in G.O. Ms. No.592, Environment and Forest Department, dated 16.09.1989 provided that the revenue realised from the sale of social forestry plantation to be shared between Forest Department and the Panchayat on 40:60 basis. The said scheme was handed over to the Panchayat and it was ordered that 500 Plot Watchers and 600 Village Social forestry workers will be disbanded in the year 1989-90 and their services will be utilised by the Panchayat under the social forestry scheme. Though numerous plot watchers, who were relieved from the services like the appellant herein, approached the Rural Development Department, the Panchayat unions did not engage them and they could not be provided regular employment. The Forest Department also did not give them any work.