GUPTESHWAR PRASAD Vs. STATE OF JHARKHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. Yashvardhan, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. Sandeep Verma, learned counsel for the respondent-State. This writ petition has been heard through Video Conferencing in view of the guidelines of the High Court taking into account the situation arising due to COVID-19 pandemic. None of the parties have complained about any technical snag of audio-video and with their consent this matter has been heard.

(2.) The petitioner has preferred this writ petition for quashing the order dated 21.12.2018 passed by Deputy Secretary, Rural Development, Government of Jharkhand whereby the contract of the petitioner has not been renewed pursuant to the Baghmara P.S. Case No.53 of 2015. The petitioner was working as Assistant Engineer, Baghmara Block, Rural Development Authority, Government of Jharkhand since July, 2016 and posted in Baghmara Block of Dhanbad District under MNREGA project.

(3.) The petitioner was appointed on contract basis for working under MNREGA scheme. The petitioner was served with a show cause notice by Deputy Development Commissioner, Dhanbad in reference of an investigation in Daludih village in which it was found that in the Management Information System, the project was shown to be complete however, on the site inspection, the project concerned was not complete. In few projects, the payments were released and paid but the muster roll and measurement book was not available. Certain other allegations were also there and an F.I.R. was lodged in Baghmara police station which was registered as Baghmara P.S. Case No.53 of 2015. The petitioner submitted his reply to show cause on 23.12.2017.