BANDI LAVANYA Vs. STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Since all these Writ Petitions are inter-related, this Court deems it appropriate to hear these matters together and dispose of the same by way of this Common Order.

(2.) The petitioners in all these writ petitions were appointed as Staff Nurses on a contract basis, pursuant to Notification No. 1 of 2023. While they were discharging their duties as Staff Nurses, the 3rd respondent issued proceedings dtd. 25/4/2024 in Rc.No.SPL/A3/GTGH/MTM/2024 to some of them, calling for an explanation within 24 hours by attaching the proceedings dtd. 22/4/2024 issued by the 5threspondent, alleging that the service certificates submitted by them were fake and fabricated. Consequently, proceedings were issued, terminating the services of the petitioners and others. Persons aggrieved by the aforesaid action filed W.P.Nos.10972 and 11103 of 2024 before this Court, which were allowed by a common order dtd. 9/5/2024, granting liberty to the respondents to proceed with the enquiry afresh. However, before proceeding with the enquiry, the respondents were directed to furnish all material documents and provide reasonable time for the petitioners to procure documents in their defence, enabling them to submit the same before the Enquiry Officer. The petitioners therein were also allowed to continue with their duties.

(3.) Thereafter, the 5th respondent issued a Show Cause Notice, dtd. 16/5/2024, to the petitioners in the aforesaid cases, including the present writ petitioners, calling for an explanation with respect to the allegation of producing fake and fabricated documents. In response, the petitioners submitted their individual explanations to the 5th respondent. Subsequently, the 6th respondent, being the Enquiry Officer, issued a notice dtd. 4/7/2024, calling the petitioners to attend the enquiry, which was scheduled on 8/7/2024, along with the necessary documents in support of their defence. The petitioners appeared before the 6threspondent and were asked to fill up a questionnaire in the format prepared by the 6th respondent. Despite this, surprisingly, they were terminated from service vide proceedings in Rc.No.1045/R2A/2024, dtd. 18/8/2024, which was communicated to the petitioners vide letter dtd. 24/8/2024.