SARAN DASS Vs. STATE OF H.P.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition is directed against the order dated 22.3.2005 passed by the Secretary, Panchayati Raj to the Government of Himachal Pradesh whereby the petitioner has been removed from the office of the Pradhan, Gram Panchayat, Chhatrari, Development Block, Mehla, District Chamba.

(2.) The allegations against the petitioner was that when he was working as a Pradhan, Gram Panchayat, Chhatrari, he was directed to over -see the functioning of four construction works, i.e., (i) one room, Primary School, Chhatrari (ii) Pucca street Barneli, (iii) three rooms, Primary School, Dundei and (iv) toilet in Middle School, Chhatrari. A total amount of Rs.2,84,000/ - was allotted to the petitioner for such works. The petitioner did not complete the aforesaid works and his explanation was called for. The first explanation was called for in the year 2003 and the petitioner replied that out of these works, three are almost complete and one will be completed in a short span of time. According to him, since his wife was unwell and he himself had remained ill for almost six months, he could not get these works completed within the stipulated time. A similar reply was sent by him in response to the letter dated 2.6.2004 sent by the District Panchayat Officer, Chamba on 8.6.2004. It appears that thereafter the petitioner was placed under suspension vide order dated 19.7.2004.

(3.) It is apparent from the averments made in the reply that though attempts were made to serve the petitioner personally with this suspension order, he managed to avoid service thereof and finally the suspension orders had to be affixed at his residence and in the office of Gram Panchayat Office, Chhatrari and, therefore, the petitioner was deemed to be suspended.