Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 9: In a significant order exposing procedural lapses in a controversial land case, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Jammu Bench, has quashed the suspension of Patwari Pranav Dev Singh, terming the action "without foundation and arbitrary." The tribunal has further directed the Revenue Department to initiate a fresh inquiry and conclude it within six months.
The case pertains to allegations against Singh, who was accused of irregularities in issuing fards (revenue records) related to khasra numbers 5552 and 5561 in village Kanger, tehsil Bhalwal. Singh, who prepared the revenue documents in his capacity as Patwari, was suspended via Divisional Commissioner Order No. 18 of 2024 dated July 27, and attached to a remote office on July 31.
However, the tribunal, comprising Members Rajinder Singh Dogra (Judicial) and Ram Mohan Johri (Administrative), found no evidence linking the applicant directly to the issuance or attestation of the controversial fards, noting that such powers lie with the Naib Tehsildar or Tehsildar-not the Patwari.
Importantly, the court observed that the issue had already been settled by multiple authorities, including the Anti-Corruption Bureau, which concluded that the sale and subsequent issuance of fards was not barred under law. The CAT also highlighted that despite issuance of a charge sheet almost a year ago, no inquiry had taken place and Singh remained suspended without receiving subsistence allowance-a violation of administrative norms.
"The applicant cannot be made a scapegoat," the Tribunal stated, emphasizing that administrative lethargy cannot justify prolonged suspension without inquiry. It ordered the cancellation of both the suspension and attachment orders and mandated the department to conduct a fresh, transparent investigation within six months. (JNF) |
