JUDGMENT

The petitioner states that he is working as a Watcher at Kalluvatttom Devaswom in the Ramapuram Sub Group of Ettumanoor Group under the Travancore Devaswom Board. While so, from 17.11.2023, he was appointed on special duty at Sabarimala. On 04.1.2024, the petitioner was served with Ext.P1 suspension order issued by the 2nd respondent. The suspension is because he has forwarded fake news in the Whats App group. Thereafter, the petitioner was issued with Ext.P6 memo of charges and Ext.P7 statement of allegation, to which, the petitioner filed Ext.P8 reply.

2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that since the petitioner has already submitted a reply and inquiry proceedings are going on, there is no need to put him under suspension, and he is to be reinstated in service.

3. The learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents submitted that the enquiry proceedings can be concluded within four months from today. It is also submitted that as the petitioner has forwarded fake news through the Whats App group, it has lowered the reputation of the Board, and therefore, he cannot be reinstated in service.

4. Taking into consideration the fact that the peti