A public authority has a legal duty to dispose of a pending statutory memorial or representation within a reasonable time, particularly when the underlying grounds for disciplinary action, such as a criminal conviction, have been overturned by an acquittal.

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed for the following reliefs:-

“directing the Respondents to pass orders on the Memorial Submitted by the petitioner dated 05.3.2026, challenging the punishment of removal from service imposed by the 3rd respondent in PR No.5/ 2010 dated 29.06.2011, confirmed by the 2nd Respondent in Rc. No. 11332/AP.3 (1) / 2026 dated

26.07.2017 within a limited time frame as deem fit by this Honble court.” 2. The main grievance of the petitioner is that, despite being acquitted in the criminal case on the basis of which departmental proceedings were initiated against him and which culminated in the punishment of removal from service, the respondents have failed to reinstate him into service. Further, the Memorial dated 05.03.2026 preferred by the petitioner before the 2nd respondent challenging the order imposing the punishment of removal from service has not been disposed of to date.

3.Heard the learned counsel on either side.

4. Considering the limited prayer sought for by the petitioner and the absence of any serious objection from the learned Government Advocate appearing on behalf of the respondents, the Writ Petition is allowed. The 2^nd respondent is directed to dispose of the Memorial preferred by the petitioner dated 05.03.2026, on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs.