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MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (MAT) on Tuesday quashed the suspension of three public servants for alleged lapses in security arrangements for EVMs and VVPATs in Pune where one demo machine and stationary was stolen.

The MAT held that the order served on them on directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI) is punitive, hasty, not backed by any reasons, but passed “by way of victimization’’.

The MAT Judicial Member, Justice V K Jadhav, at Aurangabad, directed that three govt servants—Varsha Landge, 38, Deputy Collector, Purandar, Pune Dist, Vikram Rajput, 34, Tahsildar and Tanaji Barade, 36, Sub div police officer, Pune rural, be immediately reinstated in their respective posts. The MAT agreed with the trio submissions of being made a “scapegoat’’ in the entire process.

Suspension can’t be a tool to be used without valid justification said MAT and calls for “utmost care and caution’’ in ordering it unless the allegations are serious and a prima facie case is made out for their removal.


The ECI had in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls called for distribution of the EVMs and VVPATs for public awareness campaign and training to 21 Assembly constituencies. On Feb 5, 2024 at 10am the Tahsil office at Purandar found the sealed strong room lock was broken and informed the police station. It was found from CCTV footage that stationary was stolen. A complaint was registered and an inquiry initiated. The ECI on Feb 6 directed the State Chief Secretary to suspend the three officials and initiate departmental proceedings against them.

The EVM machine and other property have been recovered from the arrested accused persons.

The Tribunal said no case was made out of dereliction of duties against the trio and by no stretch of imagination can they be said to be part of the theft. Their suspension was not necessary even if DE is initiated, said MAT adding that the “ECI exercised the powers arbitrarily without application of mind.”



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