ALEXANDER LEONARD G Vs. ANGLO FRANCH TEXTILES

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner prays for the issue of a writ of certiorarijied mandamus calling for the records relating to the enquiry proceedings denying the assistance of an advocate pursuant to charge-sheet No. PTC/A-0/04/ charge/03/99/296, dated October 25, 1999, on the file of the second respondent, quash the same and consequently direct the respondents to permit the petitioner to engage an advocate to appeal for him in the departmental proceedings initiated against him with respect to the said charge-sheet issued by the first respondent.

(2.) This Court directed learned counsel for the petitioner to serve a copy of the writ petition, supporting affidavit and typed set of papers on the standing counsel for the respondents. Accordingly, Mr. K.S. Ahamed, learned counsel appeared for the respondent and also filed his counter. With the consent of counsel for either side, the writ petition itself is taken up for final disposal as the only contention that arises for consideration being, whether the petitioner should be permitted to engage an advocate in the departmental enquiry or whether he should be satisfied with the permission granted to have the assistance of a co-employce ?

(3.) Mr. R. Subramaniam, learned counsel for the petitioner referring to the facts contended that this is a fit case where this Court should interfere with the impugned proceedings, set aside the order passed by the respondent declining to grant permission to have the assistance of a legal practitioner. According to learned counsel, the presenting officer appointed by the respondent is a well experienced, equipped and qualified law graduate and, therefore, the petitioner should be permitted to have the assistance of a legal practitioner.