The decision highlights the obligation of authorities to expedite verification processes post-acquittal in employment matters.

JUDGMENT

Dated this the 29^th day of January, 2026 The petitioner states that the 5^th respondent appointed the petitioner as Office Attendant in St. Thomas College, Pazhavangadi, Ranni with effect from 07.02.2024. Thereafter, the 5^th respondent sought a report on verification of the character and antecedents of the petitioner for the above post from the 4^th respondent, as per Ext. P2.

2. The 4^th respondent, by Ext.P3 communication, informed the 5^th respondent that as a crime is pending against the petitioner, he is not suitable for appointment to the post until he is acquitted by a competent Court. By Ext.P4 order, the petitioner was acquitted from the criminal case mentioned in Ext.P3. Hence, the 5^th respondent submitted Ext.P5 communication to 4^th respondent seeking issuance of verification of character and antecedents report of the petitioner. Till now the 4^th respondent has not issued the same. Unless it is issued at the earliest, the petitioner will put to prejudice and appointment of the petitioner could not be approved, contends the petitioner.

3. I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader representing respondents 1 to 4. Notice to the 5^th respondent is dispensed with, in view of the nature of the relief to be granted in this writ petition.

4. The petitioner is aggrieved by the non-issuing of verification of character and antecedents report of the petitioner by the 4^th respondent. The petitioner states that the criminal case against the petitioner has resulted in acquittal.

5. Ext.P5 is the communication submitted by the Manager of the College for verification of character and antecedents of the petitioner for appointment to the post of Office Attendant. The order attached to Ext.P5 would indicate that the petitioner has been acquitted of the criminal offence.

In the afore circumstances, the writ petition is disposed of directing the 4^th respondent to take appropriate steps on Ext.P5 as expeditiously as possible and at any rate within a period of 20 days from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment.

Sd/-

N.NAGARESH JUDGE hmh APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 3078 OF 2026 PETITIONER’S EXHIBITS Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF APPOINTMENT OF THE PETITIONER DATED 07.02.2024 ISSUED BY THE FIFTH RESPONDENT Exhibit P2 A TRUE COPY OF COMMUNICATION SUBMITTED BY THE FIFTH RESPONDENT TO THE FOURTH RESPONDENT DATED 16.02.2024 Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF COMMUNICATION ISSUED BY THE FOURTH RESPONDENT TO THE FIFTH RESPONDENT DATED 23.03.2024 Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED