2010 Supreme(Raj) 1676
RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT AT JAIPUR BENCH
Ajay Rastogi, J.
Kesar Khan - Appellant
Versus
State and Ors. - Respondent
Civil Writ Petition No. 3158 of 2008.
Decided On : 3-08-2010
Advocates:
For the Petitioner:Peush Nag, Advocate.
For the Respondents - State: M.F. Baig. Addl. Govt. Counsel.
Headnote:Constitution of India, 1950 Art. 226 Service Law – The petitioner was dismissed from the service after he was convicted in a criminal case, However, the petitioner was subsequently acquitted on appeal – The case deals with the question that what will be the consequential effect of first conviction and subsequent acquittal and whether the petitioner would be entitled to actual or notional benefits flowing thereof as regards to salary and other benefits because has attained age of superannuation and is of 70 years of age at present – It was held that the petitioner may be granted notional fixation of pay and payment of arrears of pensionary and retirral dues from the date of his retirement in accordance with pension rules – Hence, the writ petition is allowed.
JUDGMENT
1. - The petitioner appears to have been compelled to approach this Court in a matter which could be settled by State Government at its own on his representation having been made in compliance of order dated 12/09/2006 (Ann.8) of this Court in CWP-3768/98, but having been rejected without assigning reasons vide order dated 11/12/2007 (Ann.11).
2. To examine the controversy, it is relevant to jot down certain facts. Petitioner was appointed as Constable in Rajasthan Police Subordinate Service on 11/06/1965. However, criminal case (FIR-84/89) came to be registered at police station Civil Lines, Jaipur on 23/06/1989 against petitioner who happens to be father-in-law of complainant and other family members for offences Under Section 498-A and 406, IPC. Taking note of criminal case being registered (supra), disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him; however, on being held guilty of allegation of misconduct, was inflicted with a penalty of dismissal from service vide order dated 08/02/1991 - against which appeal U/r 23 of Rajasthan Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1958 ("CCA Rules") was preferred by petitioner and his appeal was allowed by appellate authority and order of his dismissal was set aside vide order dated 16/08/91 (Ann.1) with the observation that final fate of disciplinary proceedings would be conclusive and based on fate of criminal case pending against him. However, to his utter dismay, petitioner was convicted by Judl. Magistrate NO.3, Ajmer for offences Under Section 498-A and 406; and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for six months vide judgment dated 31/01/1992 (Ann.5). Taking note of the conviction (supra), petitioner was dismissed from service while passing fresh order by disciplinary authority on 15/02/1993 (Ann.2) - against which appeal and review petition were filed which were rejected on the premise of judgment of conviction being passed against him vide orders dated 05/06/1993 (Ann.3) and 10/03/1995 (Ann.4).
3. Against judgment of conviction dated 31/01/1992 (Ann.5), petitioner preferred criminal appeal which was allowed by Additional Sessions Judge NO.1, Ajmer vide judgment dated 24/01/1998 (Ann.6) whereby he was acquitted from offences Under Section 498-A and 406, IPC and order of his conviction (Ann.5) was accordingly set aside. Taking note of acquittal (supra), petitioner submitted representation before the authority for reconsideration on account of change in circumstances having taken place, which was made to be basis at one stage while passing order of his dismissal from service but no orders were passed by respondents; as such CWP-3768/1998 was preferred by petitioner but the same was disposed of by this Court vide order dated 12/09/2006 (Ann.8) directing the respondents to decide his representation within six months, in the light of his order of acquittal; however, his representation remained pending which compelled him to approach this Court by way of contempt petition and upon show cause notice being issued by this Court, representation of petitioner was decided and rejected vide order dated 20/11/2007 (Ann.10) on the premise that in disciplinary inquiry, he was found guilty and looking to the nature of criminal charges imputed against him, it would not be in the fitness of things to permit him to join the service. It appears that further representation made was rejected vide order dated 11/12/2007 (Ann.11) which has been assailed by way of instant petition.
4. Counsel for petitioner submits that once petitioner has been finally acquitted by competent court of jurisdiction, respondents cannot be held to be justified in upholding the order of dismissal more so while finding of guilt in disciplinary inquiry was set aside on his appeal being allowed by appellate authority vide order dated 16/08/91 (Ann.1) and no fresh disciplinary inquiry was ever initiated against him. Taking note whereof, Counsel submits that order of dismissal based on conviction
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