Takes serious objection on transfer being ordered on influential person’s recommendation
Govt asked to add provisions in state’s transfer policy to prevent such dubious transfers
Shimla | TNR
In a scathing indictment of the state government for ordering the transfer of a government employee on the recommendation of an influential person, Himachal Pradesh High Court declared the order illegal and said it was null and void.
Division bench of HC passed order
Himachal Pradesh High Court division bench comprising Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Satyen Vaidya made caustic remarks on the unprincipled step taken by the state government. The bench remarked that ordering the transfer of a government employee on the instructions of someone who has nothing to do with the administration or governance of the state is a dangerous precedent.
Transfers are necessary but…
The HC, while stating that transfers of government employees are necessary but these should be ordered as per laid down principles. It is sad to note that some government employees are being transferred on the recommendation of politicians, the HC bench noted and added that some relevant provisions should be added in the transfer policy of Himachal Pradesh government like it has been done in Karnataka and Haryana.
Relief for government employees
The High Court has come as a great relief for lakhs of government employees, many of who had been victims of unnecessary transfers due to political pressure.
Petitioner and respondents
The petition was filed by Vipender Kalta. He was represented in the court by advocate Pratap Singh Goverdhan. The respondents in the case included the state of Himachal Pradesh and others.
