SATWINDER PAL SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Letters Patent Appeal has been directed against the order dated 1.2.2011 passed by the learned Single Judge, whereby the writ petition (CWP No. 2193 of 2010) filed by appellant challenging the orders dated 19.3.2001 and 20.10.2009 passed by the Divisional Commissioner and Financial Commissioner, Revenue, respectively, has been dismissed.

(2.) This case pertains to the appointment on the post of Lambardar of village Borha, Tehsil and District Ludhiana. The said post fell vacant on the death of previous Lambardar in the year 1996. After inviting applications in accordance with law, the Collector, Ludhiana appointed the appellant as Lambardar of the village vide order dated 12.5.1998. Respondent No. 5-Harjinder Pal Singh challenged the said order by claiming that in spite of the fact that he was more meritorious and suitable, his candidature was wrongly rejected by the Collector and the appellant, who even was not resident of the village, was appointed as Lambardar. The Commissioner vide its order dated 19.3.2001 set aside the appointment of the appellant while coming to the conclusion that the appellant had not only left the village two years back and settled at village Sahnewal, but he had also been involved in a theft case of cutting trees of the forest department.

(3.) The said order was challenged by the appellant before the Financial Commissioner, who vide his order dated 8.8.2005 accepted the appeal and set aside the order of the Commissioner.