ARVIND KUMAR PIPAL Vs. COMMISSIONER TRADE TAX

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This special appeal has been filed against the Judgment dated 20th May. 2003 of a learned Judge by which Writ Petition No. 1815 of 2003 filed by the appellants challenging the order dated 3rd January, 2003 passed by the Deputy Commissioner (Administration), Trade Tax, Aligarh has been dismissed.

(2.) Facts giving rise to this appeal, briefly stated, are; Assistant Commissioner (Administration), Trade Tax, Aligarh issued an advertisement inviting applications for filling up seven backlog vacancies of class IV from amongst scheduled caste candidates. In response to advertisement 3559 applications were received, 2209 candidates were called for interview including the appellants. The selection committee was headed by one Sri B. D. Upadhyaya, Assistant Commissioner/Appointing Authority along with three other members. The appointment orders dated 23rd September, 2002 were issued to the appellants offering temporary appointment. In pursuance of the appointment orders, the appellant Nos. 1, 2 and 4 to 7 submitted their joining on 24th September, 2002 whereas appellant No. 3 submitted his joining on 10th December, 2002. Serious complaints were received regarding selection proceedings, which were enquired by the department. The Deputy Commissioner, Trade Tax immediately after selection asked for comments from members of the selection committee and intimated the same to the higher authorities of the department. The Commissioner, Trade Tax, U.P., Lucknow also sought permission of the State Government to cancel the appointment proceedings. A review selection committee was also convened on 2nd January, 2003 for reconsidering the selection process and the appointments. The members of the review selection committee after examining the records were satisfied that irregularities have been committed in selection process and recommended for cancelling of all the seven appointments recommended between 18th September. 2002 to 23rd September, 2002. After receiving the recommendation of the review selection committee dated 2nd January, 2003 the selection and consequential appointments were cancelled vide order dated 3rd January, 2003. The writ petition was filed by the appellants challenging the said order dated 3rd January, 2003 which was dismissed vide judgment dated 20th May, 2003 against which present special appeal has been filed.

(3.) Dr. R. G. Padla, senior advocate, appearing for the appellants raised following submissions in support of the appeal: