RAMESH KATARA Vs. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The present batch of Writ Petitions has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. As the issues involved in all the matters are similar, all the three writ petitioners are heard analogously and are being disposed of with this common order. The facts are taken from Writ Petition No. 12994 of 2024 as the lead case for the disposal of this bunch of petitions.

(2.) By way of this petition, the petitioners are challenging the impugned mass termination order dtd. 4/3/2024 (Annexure P/1) passed by Respondent No. 4. By the said impugned order, the services of the petitioners and 46 similarly situated daily wagers/part-time workers have been terminated. The petitioners seek the issuance of a writ in the nature of Mandamus to quash the impugned order dtd. 4/3/2024. Furthermore, the petitioners pray for a command to the respondents to allow them to continue their services at their respective places of posting with all consequential benefits.

(3.) The State Government, in the exercise of powers conferred under Article 166 of the Constitution of India, issued a Circular dtd. 29/10/1996 in the name of the Governor. This circular delegated the powers of appointment for the posts of Peon, Cook, Waterman, and Watchman in primary schools and hostels to the Block Education Officer (BEO), Principal, and others.