HARBHAJAN SINGH Vs. FINANCIAL COMMISSIONER REVENUE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioner (Harbhajan Singh) has filed the instant writ petition under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India seeking a writ in the nature of Certiorari for quashing the order dtd. 8/9/2017 (Annexure P-3) passed by the learned Commissioner, Rupnagar Division, Rupnagar, whereby respondent No.4 (Mangal Singh) was appointed as the Lambardar of Village Bhallan (Taraf Majra), Tehsil Nangal, District Rupnagar.

(2.) Briefly, the previous Lambardar of Village Bhallan (Taraf Majra), namely Bhagat Singh son of Puran Singh, expired on 24/10/2010 and thereafter, the proceedings were initiated for filling up the vacant post of Lambardar of the aforesaid village. After due proclamation for the aforesaid post of Lambardar, fifteen applications were received, including the application submitted by the present petitioner (Harbhajan Singh) and respondent No.4 (Mangal Singh). The character of the candidates was got verified from the local police, which was found to be in order. Lower Revenue Officers, i.e. Naib Tehsildar, Nangal and Sub Divisional Magistrate, Nangal recommended the name of petitioner (Harbhajan Singh) for appointment to the post of Lambardar of Village Bhallan (Taraf Majra). Thereafter, the matter was put up before the District Collector, Rupnagar, who afforded opportunity of hearing to the contesting parties.

(3.) As regards the petitioner (Harbhajan Singh), it was observed by the District Collector, Rupnagar that he was 65 years of age; having educational qualification upto 10th Standard. It was further observed that he is an Ex-sarpanch of the Village and had retired from Army as 'Subedar Major'. It was also observed that Halqa Patwari found 3 acres of land in the name of the petitioner and four candidates had withdrawn their nomination in his favor.