L MANGIA Vs. K PANMEI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE challenge in the present writ appeal is to the judgment and order of the learned Single Judge dated 27. 09. 06 passed in WP (C) No. 514/04 filed by the Principal-Respondents (Writ Petitioners), wherein and whereunder the learned Single Judge quashed the final seniority list dated 15. 01. 2000, as on 15. 01. 2000, of the Assistant Directors of the Directorate for Development of Tribals and Scheduled Castes only on the sole ground that it was issued in violation of the principles of natural justice.

(2.) HEARD Mr. Kh. Tarunkumar Singh, learned counsel appearing for the appellant, Mr. R. K. Nokulsana, learned Senior counsel assisted by Mr. R. K. Milan appearing for the Principal-respondents (writ petitioners) and also Mr. R. S. Reisang, learned Govt. Advocate appearing for the Proforma-respondents.

(3.) THE core questions to be answered in the present writ appeal are : (1) Whether the principles of natural justice would be only 'useless formality' in the facts and circumstances of the case or 'doctrine of useless formality' would be applicable in the present case ? (2) Whether the present case has come under the exception in which it would have been a futile exercise to give an opportunity of being heard to the Principal-respondents before preparing the impugned final seniority list dated 15. 01. 2000 ? and (3) Whether in the given fact of the present case issuing a writ directing the Proforma-respondents i. e. the State Respondents to observe the principles of natural justice before issuing the final seniority list of the Assistant Directors of the Directorate for Development of Tribals and Scheduled Castes, Manipur by quashing the impugned final seniority list dated 15. 01. 2000 would amount to issuing futile writ?