BANGALORE: The Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT) has quashed an inquiry by the Inspector-General of Police ( IGP-Northern range) against a Circle Inspector of Police, Gadag.

A Division Bench comprising KAT Chairman A.B.V. Srinivasa Reddy and Administrative Member P. Kotalinganagoud, said the IGP, Belgaum division, was not competent to order an inquiry. Nor was he competent to dismiss the Circle Inspector.

The IGP had instituted a joint inquiry under Rule 8 of the Karnataka State Police (DP) Rules, 1965, against Prakash Murgod, Circle Inspector. The KAT was told that Rule 8 said only that authority which is competent to dismiss persons could order a joint inquiry.

In his application, Mr. Murgod said he was appointed by the Director-General and Inspector-General of Police on promotion as Circle Inspector and, therefore, only that official was competent to dismiss him.

Mr. Murgod had challenged the June 17, 2005 order by the IGP dismissing him from service. Quashing the dismissal order, the Bench directed the State Government to extend the service and monetary benefits, if withheld, to Mr. Murgod.

Declined

The KAT Chairman, A.V. Srinivasa Reddy declined to vacate a stay against the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) from recruiting 193 persons to the posts of Horticulture Assistants in the Department of Horticulture.

The KAT, while disposing of an interlocutory application by the State Government seeking vacation of the stay, said the notification for recruitment of 193 persons suffered from legal infirmity and was against Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. The department had amalgamated the posts of field assistants and horticultural assistants by issuing an executive order instead of amending the Cadre and Recruitment Rules of the Horticulture Department.

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