- (1.) The petitioners of W.P. No. 9036 of 2015, who are six in number are seeking quashing of the order dated 30.1.2015 and the order dated 29.1.2015.
(2.) So far as petitioners no.5 and 6 are concerned, their withdrawal application no.122194 of 2015 has already been allowed and the writ petition has already been dismissed by order dated 22.2.2016.
(3.) Briefly stated the case of rest of the petitioners is that they were working as Forester (Van Daroga) under the Divisional Forest Officer, Kashi Wildlife Division, Ram Nagar, Mugalsarai Range, District-Varanasi. The respondents no.5 to 11 are stated to have been posted under the Forest Ranger, Chandauli under Divisional Forest Officer, Kashi Wildlife Division, Ram Nagar, District-Varanasi. It is stated that there were several complaints against the respondents no.5 to 11 and therefore, the District Magistrate, Chandauli alongwith the Superintendent of Police conducted a surprise raid at Naubatpur Check Post on 31.12.2014. At the time of the raid, the Divisional Forest Officer, Kashi Wildlife Division, Ram Nagar, Varanasi was also present. Certain irregularities were found and some officers of the Forest Department at Naubatpur Check Post were found involved in illegal activities. The District Magistrate therefore, directed the Divisional Forest Officer to conduct a departmental enquiry against the responsible persons and take appropriate action against them. He has also directed the Divisional Forest Officer, Kashi Wildlife Division, Ram Nagar to transfer the responsible persons from Naubatpur Check Post and ensure that persons of good reputation are posted there. The letter of the District Magistrate dated 31.12.2014 has been filed as Annexure-1 to the writ petition. It is stated that in pursuance of the order of the District Magistrate and communication issued by the Divisional Forest Officer, Kashi Wildlife Division, Ram Nagar, an order was passed on 8.1.2015 by the Chief Conservator of Forest for the transfer of respondents no.6 to 11 outside Chandauli and in their place a recommendation has been made for transfer of the petitioners at the Naubatpur Check Post, Chandauli Range. Accordingly, an order was passed on 12.1.2015 by the Divisional Forest Officer, Kashi Wildlife Division, Ram Nagar by which the petitioners were transferred and posted at Chandauli Range against their respective posts.;