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(1.) The petitioner herein has challenged the validity and/or legality of the
order dated 4th May, 1992 passed by the respondent Chief Security
Commissioner, R.P.F., Eastern Railway, Calcutta wherein
the said Chief Security
Commissioner categorically held that the petitioner has been rightly discharged
from the training as per statutory provisions contained in R.P.F. Rules, 1987.
(2.) From the records it appears that the petitioner was selected as
R.P.F. constable on or about 15th February, 1989 and thereafter joined the
training center for undergoing a preliminary training. Before completion of the
said training, the Divisional Security Commissioner, R.P.F. Eastern Railway,
Sealdah issued an order on 11 th May, 1990 discharging
the said petitioner from
service with immediate effect. The text of the said order is quoted hereunder :
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(3.) Challenging the said order the petitioner herein filed a writ petition
before this Court on the earlier occasion,
which was numbered as CO. No. 1019
(W) of 1991. This Hon'ble Court finally decided the aforesaid writ petition filed
by the petitioner on 11th March, 1992 and quashed the aforesaid impugned
order. The relevant portion of the said order is quoted hereunder :
"Heard the learned Advocates for the writ petitioner and for the Railway
authorities. It appears that the petitioner is aggrieved by the impugned
order in annexure 'A' to the petition wherefrom it appears that the petitioner
who was undergoing training under the Divisional Security Commissioner,
D.R.M., Sealdah, after being properly selected therefor, has been
discharged with immediate effect. Admittedly, no charge was levelled
against the petitioner nor any opportunity was given to him for hearing
nor was he allowed to defend himself. There is admitted violation of the
principle of natural justice.
Mr. Mukherjee, learned Advocate for the Railways has however,
submitted that the petitioner himself has suppressed certain facts and is
not entitled to any equitable relief from the Writ Court.
Considering all submissions, this Court is of the view that the
appropriate opportunity of defending should have been given to the
petitioner before passing the impugned order. Respondents may be right
in passing the impugned order ultimately, but since there is violation of
principle of natural justice, such order cannot be sustained. The writ
petition is allowed and the impugned order is quashed.
This judgment will not prevent the respondents authorities to take
any action in law by giving sufficient opportunity to the petitioner by
permitting him to appear and file objection, if any. It is made clear that by
quashing the impugned order, if the petitioner is entitled to any financial
relief, the same may be given to the petitioner in accordance with law.;