RAJASEKHAR MANTHA,J. - (1.) The instant writ application seeking quo warranto has been filed by the petitioner challenging the continuous appointment of the third respondent who had retired from service from the 3rd of February 2014. He was re-engaged as an Advisor and was Incharge of the post of Additional Director General, Southern Region - I and II of the Prasar Bharati Broadcasting Corporation. Each extension was given for a period of one year until the last extension which expired on 7th March 2018.
(2.) The writ petitioner complains that the third respondent was engaged as an Advisor under a policy decision for contractual engagement that was brought into force on the 27th of September 2012. Various grounds have been urged to challenge such appointment. The principal ground is that the appointment is contrary to Rule 177 of GFR of the Central Government as also the Manuals for Procurement of Consulting and Other Services issued by the Govt. of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure 2017.
(3.) It is further urged that the appointment is even otherwise contrary to the circular dated 19th October 2015 issued by the Prasar Bharati Broadcasting Corporation, All India Radio. It was indicated in such circular that Consultants/Advisors/Special Assignees who are being paid above Rupees fifty thousand per month must not be engaged unless there is an acute administrative difficulty.;