SupremeToday Landscape Ad
Back
Next
Judicial Analysis Court Copy Headnote Facts Arguments Court observation
Listen Audio Icon Pause Audio Icon
judgment-img



IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI
Manmohan, Navin Chawla, JJ.
Eapen P.V. - Appellant
Versus
Union of India - Respondent
W.P.(C) 12693 of 2021
Decided On : 12-11-2021




The delay in deciding an employee's representation against adverse performance appraisal remarks infringes on principles of natural justice and contradicts established procedural guidelines.

Headnote:(A) BSF APAR Procedure and Instructions 2012 - Delay in deciding representation against adverse remarks in Part Performance Appraisal Report - Petition seeking direction for timely decision - Guidelines specify a timeline for decision-making in appraisal processes to ensure fair assessment for promotion. (Paras 3, 4)

(B) Administrative Law - Right to fair process - Petitioner's right to a timely decision on representation is implied under the principles of natural justice - Undue delay infringes upon the prospects for promotion and professional advancement. (Paras 4)

Facts of the case:
The petitioner challenged adverse remarks in his PPAR leading to below-benchmark grading and highlighted the delay in receiving a decision on his representation submitted on 5th December, 2019.

Findings of Court:
The Court ordered a reasoned decision on the representation within three weeks, asserting the importance of timely responses in administrative processes.

Issues: The main issue was whether the delay in addressing the petitioner's representation violates the guidelines provided for performance appraisal.

Ratio Decidendi: The court emphasized adherence to the BSF's procedural guidelines ensuring timely decisions to uphold the principles of natural justice and protect the petitioner’s promotion prospects.

Result: Writ petition disposed of with directions.

Table of Content
1. court orders prompt decision on representation. (Para 1 , 5)
2. petitioner challenges adverse ppar grading. (Para 2 , 3)
3. delay in representation violates bsf guidelines. (Para 4)

JUDGMENT

Manmohan, J. (Oral)--The petition has been heard by way of video conferencing.

2. Present writ petition has been filed seeking directions to the Respondents to decide the Petitioner's representation dated 5th December, 2019 challenging the adverse remarks in his Part Performance Appraisal Report [PPAR] that resulted in below benchmark grading for the period between 1st April, 2015 and 23rd September, 2015.

3. Learned counsel for the Petitioner states that the petitioner was communicated the below par PPAR on 23rd November, 2019 vide letter dated 11th November, 2019 and was called upon to represent against the PPAR by 23rd November, 2019. He states that the Petitioner first represented against the PPAR vide his Representation dated 5th December, 2019. He further states that despite lapse of almost two years since his Representation and multiple reminders, the Petitioner is yet to receive a final decision on the Representation.

4. Learned counsel for the petitioner states that delay in deciding the Petitioner's Representation is violative of the BSF's guidelines contained in para 4.18 of the BSF APAR Procedure and Instructions 2012. He states that a DPC is to be convened by the Respondents for Promotion to the rank of Inspector General and the Petitioner being the senior-most DIG, is at the top of the list and the below benchmark PPAR grade will severely impact the Petitioner's chances for promotion.

5. Since the next DPC is likely to be convened on or before 31st December, 2021, this Court disposes of the present writ petition by directing Respondent no.1 to decide the Petitioner's representation dated 5th December, 2019 by way of a reasoned order, in accordance with law, within three weeks.

Click Here to Read the rest of this document
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
SupremeToday Portrait Ad
supreme today icon
logo-black

An indispensable Tool for Legal Professionals, Endorsed by Various High Court and Judicial Officers

Please visit our Training & Support
Center or Contact Us for assistance

qr

Scan Me!

India’s Legal research and Law Firm App, Download now!

For Daily Legal Updates, Join us on :

whatsapp-icon Back to top