A transfer order for a Patwari must specify the place of posting to comply with procedural requirements, ensuring the competent authority's application of mind.

JUDGMENT :

Rekha Borana, J.

1. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that vide impugned order dated 22.02.2024, the petitioner, who is working as a Patwari, has been sought to be transferred from Patwar Mandal Tanda Mangla, Tehsil Sajjangarh, District Banswara to District Dungarpur without specifying the exact place of posting/Patwar Mandal. Learned counsel submits that the same is even otherwise, in contravention to Rule 9 of the Rajasthan Land Revenue (Land Records) Rules, 1957 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Rules of 1957').

In support of his submissions, learned counsel relied upon the judgment passed by the Co-ordinate Bench of this Court in Rajpal Singh v. State of Rajasthan & Ors., S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 544/2021 (decided on 18.03.2021).

2. Per contra, learned counsel for the respondents submitted that the Collector is very well empowered to pass appropriate order regarding place of posting after the transfer order having been passed by the Board of Revenue. Hence, even if the order impugned does not mention the specific place of posting, it can be taken care of by the Collector.

3. Heard the counsels. Perused the order impugned.

4. A perusal of the order impugned dated 22.02.2024 makes it clear that no specific place of posting has been mentioned in the same. While dealing with a similar situation, the Co-ordinate Bench of this Court in Rajpal Singh's case (supra), held that, even if the State or competent authority wishes to transfer a patwari from one place to another, he has to satisfy himself about the interest of efficiency of work or to fill the vacant post. The Court in the said matter, observed that a transfer made without indicating Patwar Circle or even Tehsil is enough to show lack of application of mind and hence, it cannot be inferred that the competent authority was aware of the present vacant position in the said district and that too, the requirement of petitioner's efficiency in such Patwar Circle, for which his transfer was warranted.

The Court, in the said circumstances concluded as under:

“28. If the competent authority has not decided or was not aware, where the concerned patwari is to be transferred, it cannot be presumed that the competent authority has applied its mind towards the vacant position, falling vacant on account of exigencies mentioned in clause (ii) of Rule 9 of the Rules of 1957. Nor can he be presumed to have as certained that interest of efficiency of work required that petitioner should be transferred to a far flung place at Hanumangarh.”

5. In view of the above ratio which squarely covers the present matter, the order impugned dated 22.02.2024 qua the present petitioner deserves to be quashed and set aside and the same is hereby set aside. The writ petition is hence, allowed.

6. Stay petition and the pending applications, if any, also stand disposed of.

7. It is however made clear that the present order would not be termed to preclude the State Authorities from passing fresh orders, in terms of law.