Jodhpur, February 1 : The Rajasthan Civil Services Appellate Tribunal (Jodhpur) has ruled against an order issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Jaipur, declaring it legally invalid. The tribunal directed that all affected employees be reinstated to their original positions, as they were before their transfers.
Background of the Case
Forest rangers Girish Kumar Labana, Raichand Ram, and Surendra Singh Shekhawat, who were serving in Jalore, Udaipur, and Banswara, respectively, were transferred under an order issued on January 15, 2025, by the PCCF, Jaipur. The officers, through their legal counsel Pramendra Bohra, challenged the transfer orders before the Civil Services Tribunal.
The tribunal, after reviewing the case, issued a stay order on January 21, instructing the Forest Department to maintain the status quo. However, when the officers attempted to resume their original positions, the District Forest Officer (DFO) denied them reinstatement, citing a directive from the PCCF, Jaipur. The PCCF’s order included a controversial Clause 3, which mandated that any employee securing a stay order from the tribunal or the High Court must first report to the Jaipur headquarters before resuming duties at their original post.
Tribunal’s Verdict: PCCF’s Order Declared Unlawful
Challenging this directive, the three forest rangers, through Advocate Pramendra Bohra, argued before the tribunal that the stay order clearly directed them to resume duty at their previous posts. The requirement to first report to Jaipur headquarters was arbitrary, illegal, and in violation of natural justice.
The tribunal, after hearing the matter, ruled that:
- The PCCF’s directive contradicted the tribunal’s original stay order.
- The requirement for employees to report to Jaipur before resuming their original posts was legally unjustified.
- The order was a clear violation of service rules and principles of natural justice.
Consequently, the tribunal overturned the PCCF’s directive and instructed the concerned employees to immediately resume duty at their original postings.
This ruling sets a strong precedent for government employees challenging arbitrary transfer orders, reaffirming the principles of justice and due process in administrative decisions.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.