PSEB fails to follow court order,pulled up

“ It is evident from perusal of the order that ad hoc arrangement was permitted to be made to fill up post of Controller of Examination,which has been styled as strategic post with multifarious activities attached to it. We had permitted the post to be filled by way of deputation or transfer. It has come on record that Jagtar Singh Khatra Director Public Instructions (Retd) has been appointed as Controller of Examination,which is non compliance with order dated September 23,2009,” the Bench held.

“Explanation tendered for deviation is that there was urgent need to conduct the examination and experience of former DPI was best suited as the work was to be done at war footing. We are not impressed with explanation tendered as the examination has been conducted long ago but he is still continuing on the post of Controller Examination,” the order reads.

The directions have been passed in response to a petition filed by Sukhvinder Kaur Saroya,senior legal adviser-cum-law officer. The petitioner had sought directions to the Department to consider her candidature at the time of filling the said post.

“We make it clear in this order that it will not exclude consideration of petitioner for appointment as Controller of Examination on temporary basis,” the order read.

The Bench also remarked that the strictures have been passed against the Department in the past in the case of Pavittar Pal Kaur who was holding the post of Secretary,PSEB,Mohali. Her appointment was set aside on March 10,2009,since criminal charges were pending against Kaur.

The Bench remarked that “in scant respect” to the Court,the Department has now appointed her as the deputy director. The Board has been asked to look into the matter. The counsel appearing for the State of Punjab has assured that the appointment of Controller of Examination and Deputy Director be looked into.