IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU DATED THIS THE 22ND DAY OF APRIL, 2024 BEFORE THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE SACHIN SHANKAR MAGADUM WRIT PETITION NO. 21081 OF 2022 (S-RES)
BETWEEN:
MR. A. JAYA SEELAN AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS CONSTABLE NO. 718271 STC, BSF, YELAHANKA BANGALORE – 560 063 …PETITIONER (BY SRI. SUNIL KUMAR H, ADVOCATE)
AND:
1. THE DIRECTOR GENERAL BORDER SECURITY FORCE LODHI ROAD NEW DELHI - 110 003
2. THE INSPECTOR GENERAL BORDER SECURITY FORCE Digitally signed by CHAITHRA A STC, YELAHANKA Location: H IGH BANGALORE – 560 063 COURT OF …RESPONDENTS KARNATAKA (BY SRI. B. PRAMOD, CGC FOR R1 AND R2)
THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA, PRAYING TO QUASH THE MOVEMENT ORDER NO.112/ESIT/MOVE/STC/BSF/22/12747-54 DTD 11.10.2022 ISSUED BY THE R2 VIDE ANNEXURE-A AND ISSUE DIRECTION TO THE RESPONDENTS TO PROVIDE PROPER MEDICAL TREATMENT TO THE PETITIONER INCLUDING KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION AS REQUESTED BY THE PETITIONER.
THIS WRIT PETITION, COMING ON FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING ‘B’ GROUP, THIS DAY, THE COURT MADE THE FOLLOWING:
ORDER
The petitioner, serving as a constable in the Border Security Force (BSF), has approached this Court seeking relief against an impugned transfer notification. The petitioner, suffering from chronic kidney disease necessitating thrice-weekly dialysis, has been directed to relocate from Bangalore to Manipur, despite medical recommendations against travel and the impending need for a kidney transplant. The petitioner's predicament evokes compassion and raises questions concerning the humane treatment of employees facing significant health challenges. The crux of the matter revolves around the balance between administrative regulations and the fundamental rights of individuals, particularly those grappling with severe health conditions.
2. The respondents contend that administrative rules permit the transfer of the petitioner to Manipur, notwithstanding the medical condition. However, it is incumbent upon this Court to scrutinize whether such a transfer, in the face of compelling medical advice against travel and the imminent need for a kidney transplant, aligns with principles of fairness and compassion.
3. The Court recognizes the importance of administrative regulations in maintaining the efficiency of public institutions. However, it is equally essential to consider the individual circumstances of employees, especially when their health and well-being are at stake. In the case on hand, the petitioner's medical condition renders travel impractical and potentially perilous. Dialysis, a life-sustaining treatment, necessitates a stable and supportive environment.
4. Furthermore, the petitioner's affliction with chronic kidney disease necessitating thrice weekly dialysis underscores the urgency of the situation. Any undue disruption, such as an enforced relocation, could exacerbate the petitioner's health condition and jeopardize his chances of receiving timely medical intervention.
5. The rules governing transfers within the Border Security Force (BSF) or any other institution serve a vital purpose in ensuring the efficient functioning of the organization. These rules often outline procedures for rotations, postings, and transfers of personnel, aiming to maintain operational effectiveness and prevent stagnation.
6. However, in the present case, the unique circumstances surrounding the petitioner's health condition necessitate a relaxation of these transfer rules. Several compelling reasons justify this relaxation:
(i) The petitioner is suffering from chronic kidney disease, a serious health condition that requires regular dialysis treatment. Such medical conditions demand a stable and supportive environment for treatment and recovery. The strain of travel, particularly long-distance relocation, could exacerbate the petitioner's health condition, leading to adverse consequences.
(ii) The petitioner is placed at Low Medical Category for kidney transplant, indicating the urgency of his medical situation. Given the critical nature of the impending transplant, any disruption in the petitioner's healthcare regime, such as an enforced transfer, could pose significant risks to his health and well-being.
(iii) Medical professionals have advised against the petitioner's travel due to his health condition. Ignoring medical advice in such circumstances not only jeopardizes the petitioner's health but also raises ethical concerns regarding the duty and care towards employees facing health challenges.
(iv) It is essential to approach the petitioner's situation with empathy and compassion. Mandating a transfer under these circumstances could inflict undue hardship and distress on the petitioner and their family. A humane consideration of the petitioner's plight calls for flexibility in the application of transfer rules to accommodate his medical needs.
(v) Upholding the petitioner's right to life and health, as enshrined in the Constitution, warrants prioritizing his medical well-being over administrative expediency. Denying the petitioner the opp
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