JANAKI PRASAD GUPTA Vs. STATE OF BIHAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) IT is a peculiar situation. By an order of the State Government dated 3rd November, 1989 six officers of the State Government in recognition of their meritorious services for showing their exemplary valour and courage were sought to be rewarded by giving them one rifle each of 315 bore. such decision was taken some twenty years back. The petitioner however is before this Court with his grievance that despite such official announcement and communication made the promise to give award, so made remains still unfulfilled.

(2.) AFTER the matter had remained pending before this Court for more than seven years a counter affidavit has ultimately filed today depicts a very sorry state of affairs. The stand of the respondents in paragraph nos. 6 and 7 of the counter affidavit would only go to show that the respondent - State of Bihar was not even aware as to whether it could have made such announcement and issue order for rewarding six officers. This Court, therefore, without expressing any opinion for the moment would only direct the Chief Secretary of the Government of Bihar to take up the matter and ensure that whatever decision is to be taken in this regard must be taken and implemented within a period of one month from the date of receipt/production of a copy of this order.

(3.) IN case the State Government cannot honour its commitment and decision of awarding six officers it will recall its decision in the same manner by giving press communique to be published in the official gazette and all leading newspapers of this State that the earlier decision of the State Government for rewarding its officers including the petitioner was only meant for propagandia and public consumption and in fact was never sought to be acted upon.