V V RAVINDRANATH REDDY Vs. STATE OF TELANGANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition is filed seeking a Writ of Mandamus, declaring the action of respondent No.1 in issuing the impugned Memo dated 15.09.2018 transferring the petitioner as Mandal Agriculture Officer, Jinnaram by posting the 3rd respondent in his place, as bad, illegal, arbitrary, opposed to law, contrary to the rules and in violation of the rules framed facilitating the office bearers to enjoy the privilege of retention in a place for 6 years.

(2.) Heard Sri M. Vidyasagar, counsel for petitioner, Government Pleader for Services, appearing for respondents 1 and 2 and Sri A.Giridhar Rao, counsel appearing for respondent No.3.

(3.) It has been contended by the petitioner that he is working as Mandal Agriculture Officer at Hayathnagar since 2013 and he was elected as an office bearer of the Association, namely, "Telangana Agricultural Officers' Association", during 2016. The State Government had issued Circular Memos dated 26.06.2012 and 30.06.2012, wherein, a policy decision was taken by the State to continue the office bearers of recognized Service Associations in their respective places for 3 terms for those having 2 years as term of office and for 2 terms for those having 3 years as term of office. As per the said Circular Memos, liberty was given to the competent authorities to effect transfers on administrative grounds before expiry of 6 years period, by recording reasons. The petitioner further submits that vide G.O.Ms.No.61, dated 24.05.2018, ban on transfers was lifted and transfers were effected in terms of G.O.Ms.No.61, dated 24.05.2018. The grievance of the petitioner is that he has been elected as an office bearer of Telangana Agriculture Officers' Association during 2016 and even before completion of his tenure in terms of Circular dated 26.06.2012, he was transferred contrary to the said Circular. Challenging the same, the present writ petition is filed.