AMANPREET KAUR DHILLON Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner seeks quashing of the Notice dtd. 12/12/2013 (Annexure P-14) vide which his services were sought to be terminated with effect from 13/1/2014.

(2.) An advertisement dtd. 10/11/2011 (Annexure P-1) was issued by respondent Nos.2 and 3 inviting applications for appointment to the post of Assistant Publication Officer (General Category) through direct recruitment in the pay scale of Rs.10,300.00 34800/-. Pursuant thereto, a number of applications were received. The petitioner also applied for the said post. Out of the total candidates who had applied, 12 candidates were short-listed and interviewed by the Establishment Committee constituted by respondent Nos.2 and 3. The petitioner was found meritorious amongst all the candidates interviewed and her name was finalized for selection vide proceedings dtd. 18/11/2011, which was duly approved by the Board. The petitioner was issued appointment letter dtd. 12/12/2011 (Annexure P-5) for the post of Assistant Publication Officer by way of direct recruitment. As per terms and conditions, her probation period was for one year and on successful completion thereof, her services were required to be confirmed. The petitioner joined on the post on 13/12/2011 and was given posting in the Publication Branch.

(3.) However, the appointment of the petitioner was challenged by one Onkar Singh, who was interviewed by the Establishment Committee, by way of CWP No. 5038 of 2012 and this Court vide order dtd. 19/3/2012 (Annexure P-8) disposed of the same by directing the respondents therein to decide the representation of Onkar Singh. The respondent Board decided the representation filed by Onkar Singh by observing that the appointment of petitioner Amanpreet Kaur was made after following due procedure purely on merits.