STATE OF J&K Vs. REYAZ ANWAR MASOODI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Letters Patent Appeal by the State of J&K (Now Union Territory) has been filed against the judgment and order dtd. 23/3/2018 passed by a learned Single Judge of this Court whereby the respondent's writ petition, SWP no. 1453/2015, challenging his compulsory retirement order from Government service, issued by the appellants, has been allowed quashing the order impugned therein with direction to the appellants to reinstate the respondent-writ petitioner and grant him all consequential benefits within the period specified therein.

(2.) We heard learned counsel for the parties and considered the matter.

(3.) The respondent (writ petitioner) was initially appointed as Range Officer Grade-I on ad hoc basis vide Government order no. 303-FST of 1995 dtd. 12/10/1995. Later, he was substantively appointed on the post vide Government order no. 227-FST dtd. 24/5/2004 and was continued at North Jehlum Range, Baramulla. Thereafter, vide Forest Order no. 236 of 2004 dtd. 19/7/2004, he was transferred and posted at Forest Range, Rajwar, Handwara. From there he was transferred and posted at Rafiabad Range, Watergam of Langate Forest Division. While being posted there, he was deputed for undergoing training at State Forest Service College, Bunihat, Assam. After return from the training course, he was posted at Magam Range, Forest Division, Langate. Thereafter, he was transferred and placed at the disposal of Managing Director, J&K State Forest Corporation for his posting against the post of Divisional Manager/equivalent.