THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, April 21: The Jharkhand High Court has issued a contempt notice to the Ranchi Deputy Commissioner (DC) in a case related to compassionate appointment in the Labour Department. The Court has directed the Ranchi DC and the Principal Secretary-cum-Labour Commissioner to appear in person on May 5.
“Is DC Superior to Principal Secretary?” Court Asks
Hearing the matter, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad questioned why the April 30, 2019, order of the Principal Secretary directing the appointment of petitioner Rupesh Ranjan was not implemented. The Court asked whether the Ranchi DC is “superior” to the Principal Secretary, given the non-compliance.
The Court rejected an affidavit filed by a third party on behalf of the DC and insisted on a personal affidavit. In response, the DC stated that the appointment was denied due to the absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the deceased employee’s eldest son.
Court Questions Rejection of Appointment
The Compassionate Appointment Committee had rejected Rupesh Ranjan’s application. The Court observed that the eldest son may not fall under the category of a dependent and stressed that the younger son should be considered for appointment as per earlier orders.
The case relates to the death of Labour Department employee Rajkumar Ram. His elder son’s application was rejected due to age limits, while the younger son, Rupesh Ranjan, was found eligible. The court had earlier directed that he be appointed within six months, but the order was not implemented, leading to the contempt petition.
Matter Also Pending in Supreme Court
The dispute has also reached the Supreme Court, where the elder son has challenged the High Court’s order. In an affidavit, the mother stated she has no objection to the younger son receiving the job.