BHAGWAN SINGH Vs. FINANCIAL COMMISSIONER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE petitioner prays for the issuance of a writ in the nature of certiorari for quashing the orders, dated 31.3.1999, 14.8.2001 and 22.11.2001, passed by the District Collector, Hoshiarpur, Commissioner Jalandhar Division, Jalandhar and the Financial Commissioner Appeals-I, Punjab Chandigarh respectively.

(2.) THE petitioner, respondent No. 4 and others applied for the post of Lambardar of village Pandori Mallian. The antecedents of the candidates were inquired and verified. The Circle Revenue Officer, Naib Tehsildar Gardhiwala, vide report, dated 18.9.1997, recommended the name of the petitioner for the post of Lambardar. His recommendation was endorsed by the Tehsidar, Dasuya. The Sub Divisional Magistrate, Dasuya, however, did not agree with the report and recommended the name of respondent No. 4. The District Collector, Hoshiarpur, vide order, dated 31.3.1999, held that Bikram Singh-respondent No. 4 was the most suitable candidate and directed his appointment as a Lambardar. Aggrieved by the said order, the petitioner filed an appeal, which was dismissed by the Commissioner, Jalandhar Division, Jalandhar on 14.8.2001. Still dissatisfied, the petitioner preferred a revision, which was dismissed by the Financial Commissioner Appeals-I, Punjab Chandigarh on 22.11.2001.

(3.) I have heard counsel for the petitioner and perused the impugned orders. As regards hereditary claims for appointment to the post of Lambardar, Rule 15(a) of the Rules reads as follows :