Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 10: Division Bench of State High Court comprising Chief Justice M M Kumar and Justice Tashi Rabstan today directed Director Urban Local Bodies to post Executive Officer of Katra Municipality, Ravi Kumar either in the Directorate or in the office of Secretary instead of giving him charge of the post of EO at District Headquarters.
The direction was passed in an application filed by SOS International through its Chairman Rajiv Chuni and Others seeking appropriate disciplinary action against EO Municipal Committee Katra, Ravi Kumar against whom two FIRs have culminated into presentation of charge sheets in the court of Special Judge Anticorruption, Jammu.
After hearing Advocates Abhinav Sharma and Rohit Kapoor appearing for the PIL whereas Senior AAG Seema Shekhar for the State, DB observed, “in pursuance of the yesterday direction, AAG Seema Shekhar has produced the order of transfer in respect of Ravi Kumar, Executive Officer Municipal Committee Katra whereby he has been transferred and posted as Executive Officer Municipal Committee Reasi”.
“It is unfortunate that a person who is facing charges in two FIRs registered against him under Prevention of Corruption Act has been given key posting”, the DB said, adding “Reasi is District Headquarter and Katra is part of district Reasi. Ordinarily in a case where the challan has been presented in the corruption case, the Government officers are placed under suspension”.
“It is a matter of serious concern that despite directions and observations made by this court, the officer has been posted in District Headquarter”, the DB said and directed Director Urban Local Bodies Jammu that a suitable order of posting Ravi Kumar in office of Directorate or Secretary be passed instead of giving him charge of the post of Executive Officer.
“Needful shall now be done within two weeks failing which Director Urban Local Bodes shall remain present in person”, the DB directed.
Follow our WhatsApp channel