LEISHANGTHEM MANIKANTA SINGH Vs. STATE OF MANIPUR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. H.S Paonam, learned senior counsel for the petitioners. Also heard Mr. Debendra, learned GA appearing for all the respondents.

(2.) Pursuant to an advertisement No. MFFR/ 2016 dated 16th August, 2016 by which applications were called for direct recruitment under Forester's Recruitment Rules, 2001 in the Forest Department, Government of Manipur for the post of Forester, the petitioners applied for the said post of Forester and also participated in the recruitment process. All the petitioners were qualified and they appeared in the viva voce test where they have also done satisfactorily. Thereafter, the DPC proceedings of the said recruitment was forwarded to the Government which was approved by the Government by letter dated 30th December, 2016. However, before declaration of the result, the election code of conduct came into effect in Manipur and thereafter, no appointments could be made.

(3.) In the meantime, the Deputy Secretary (For. and Envt.), Government of Manipur issued an order dated 16-12-2017 by which the DPC proceedings of Foresters have been declared null and void and further directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Government of Manipur to hold fresh appointment/recruitment of the same within a period of two months from the date of issue of the order.