NARENDRA NATH TIWARI, J. - (1.) IN this writ petition, the petitioners have prayed for quashing the order issued vide Memo No. 119, dated 17th May, 2007, whereby the Deputy Commissioner, Chatra has suddenly cancelled the appointment of all the selected Sevikas and Sahayikas in one stroke of pen on the ground that the then Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), namely, Smt. Sheela Kumari, who had made the said appointments, was arrested by the Vigilance Department in connection with a case of alleged irregularity.
(2.) IT has been stated that the petitioners have got no concern with any such irregularity committed by then CDPO. They were duly appointed on the basis of selection made by the decision of Aam Sabha. There is no allegation that any irregularity was committed by them or that they are party to any such irregularity. No notice or opportunity of hearing was even given to the petitioners before cancelling their appointment. The impugned sudden cancellation of the petitioners appointment in one stroke of pen is wholly arbitrary and violative of principle of natural justice. A counter -affidavit has been filed on behalf of the respondents, stating, inter alia, that some of the appointments made by the then Child Development Project Officer were found legal and proper and some were found illegal and improper and for that reason, all the appointments have been cancelled. Learned Counsel for the respondents submitted that as the appointment of some of the petitioners was found improper, the Deputy Commissioner, Chatra decided to cancel all the appointments and initiate a fresh process for anointment.
(3.) I have heard learned Counsel for the parties and perused the materials on record.;