The Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (MAT) directed the state government to set aside the suspension of three government officials ordered by Election Commission of India (ECI) in the alleged case of lapses on their part in making security arrangements for the EVMs and VVPATs at the strong room of Pune’s Purandar tehsil, which falls in Baramati Lok Sabha constituency.
The MAT order by Justice V K Jadhav dated April 2, stated that the ECI’s directions to suspend were “without application of mind” and the officers have been made “scapegoats” and suspension was “an arbitrary exercise of powers by the Election Commission of India”.
“Suspension is an interim measure in the aid of disciplinary proceedings so that the delinquent may not gain custody or control of papers or take any advantage of his position. In the instant case it appears that all the applicants have been suspended without any reasons and justification. The Election Commission of India has exercised the powers arbitrarily without application of mind,” said the order from the MAT.
It added that the departmental inquiry has been initiated and suspension was not necessary.
“It has been reported by the Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural that from the investigation it appears that breaking into the Taluka Treasury and stealing cash seems to be the motive of the thieves. In my considered opinion, the Election Commission of India has hastily directed the Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra to suspend the applicants. The said direction issued by respondent Election Commission of India appears to be without application of mind,” the order stated.
Varsha Landge (deputy collector), Vikram Rajput (tehsildar) and Tanajai Barade (sub divisional police officer) had approached the MAT after on February 6, the ECI directed the chief secretary to suspend the three of the lapses on their part in making security arrangements for the EVMs and VVPATs.
“Prima-facie, no case is made out against the applicants for dereliction of duties and/or the negligence in performing the duties. In the given set of allegations, it is very unlikely that the case is made out against the applicants about their dismissal or removal,” it said.
“It appears that the Election Commission of India has issued suspension orders of the applicants for extraneous reasons by way of victimization. I agree with the submissions made on behalf of the applicants that the applicants have been made scapegoat in the entire process,” the order said .
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First uploaded on: 02-04-2024 at 23:14 IST