2004 Supreme(MP) 961

2005(2) JLJ 79
K.K. Lahoti, J.
Rajendra Tiwari @ Raju v. State of M.P. and others
Writ Petitions No. 4522, 4527 to 4729, 4535, 4539, 4557, 4558 and 4683 of 2004; Decided on 16.12.2004.

Headnote:Law Department Manual (M.P.)--Paras 15, 17, 18 and 19--Criminal P.C., 1973 -- Ss. 24 and 25 -- appointment of Government pleader/Government Prosecutor and Additional Government pleader and Additional Government Prosecutor -- nature of the post and termination with stigma -- not permissible without show cause notice and without enquiry following principles of natural justice.

       All the petitioners were appointed by State of Madhya Pradesh under para 15 of Law Department Manual. The term of all the Advocates has not expired so far and by identical orders, the petitioners‘ services have been dispensed with. [Para 1

       In all the orders, the State Government has assigned the reason that as per the complaints received by the State Government from the District Magistrate, the working of the petitioner was not found satisfactory and has been removed by one month‘s notice. [Para 2

       

       Held : It is not in dispute that the petitioner was initially appointed and thereafter he was appointed on probation for a fixed term. Before completion of his term, the respondents have removed him from the office of Public Prosecutor. The petitioner has been removed on the ground that his performance was unsatisfactory and the aforesaid performance has been found on the basis of some complaint received against the petitioner. It is also not in dispute that neither show cause notice was issued to the petitioner nor any opportunity of hearing was provided to him. The petitioner is not aware what are the circumstances against him resulting his termination.

       Initially appointment was made on probation, and after due performance, on the recommendation of Sessions Judge, the Public Prosecutor or the Additional Prosecutor continues to hold the office. In these circumstances, when a complaint is received, natural consequence must be either a show cause notice to the Advocate or some enquiry from the Sessions Judge or, from the District Magistrate, and until and unless such procedure is adopted, removing Public Prosecutor or Additional Public Prosecutor on the ground of complaints and using word ‘unsatisfactory‘ is apparently stigmatic. An Advocate having 7 years‘ standing in the profession is entitled to be appointed as Public Prosecutor/ Assistant Public Prosecutor. The aforesaid criterion is very important and only a person having 7 years‘ practice will be eligible to be appointed as Public Prosecutor or Additional Public Prosecutor. After appointment, he enjoys the office having faith of the District Administration and of the State. In aforesaid circumstances, if• the services of the Public Prosecutor or Additional Public Prosecutor is dispensed with the reason that his performance was unsatisfactory, naturally it will cause stigma on his entire career or his further appointment as Government Advocate or Public Prosecutor. The petitioner enjoys a reputation in the society and works on the faith of the society that he will plead the case of the public on behalf of State in the Court of law, i.e., with ability and performance. If this message goes to the public that certain person bas been removed from the office of Government Pleader or Public Prosecutor because of his unsatisfactory performance, it will cause serious stigma on his entire career. It will affect reputation; grace, and imputation, shame in the society. In aforesaid circumstances, the order dispensing with the service of the petitioner with stigma cannot be sustained under the law. AIR 1991 SC 537 and 2.004 AIR SCW 3888 followed. M.P. No. 3325 of 1990 relied on. [Para 10

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