SANTOSHI SONDHI Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, who is wife of Raman Kumar, has filed the present writ petition impugning the order dated 14.6.2011 (Annexure P-13) vide which the services of her husband, were dispensed with from the date he was absent from duty. Further prayer has been made to treat the husband of the petitioner on duty with effect from 29.12.2002 till the date of his superannuation and pay him salary.

(2.) Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that husband of the petitioner was working as Library Attendant in Government Senior Secondary School, Mangrowal, District Hoshiarpur, since 1998. On 2.5.2002, when he was returning home along with his brother, who is physically disabled, after attending his duties in the school, was attacked by six persons armed with deadly weapons. As a result, he suffered grievous injuries. For a long time, he remained admitted in hospital. His condition did not improve. Permission was sought for taking him abroad for treatment.

(3.) Despite all these facts being in the knowledge of the authorities, on 19.4.2006, respondent no. 3 issued show cause notice regarding absence of the husband of the petitioner from duty which was replied to by giving all details about his illness and treatment. The petitioner did not have any other source of income and had to support three minor children. The petitioner even made representation for compassionate appointment. The services of petitioner's husband were terminated vide impugned order dated 14.6.2011 (Annexure P-13) for being absent from duty from 29.12.2002 till the date of the passing of the impugned order.