Follow rules while allotting quarters to court staff: HC

The Madras High Court has directed its registry to follow rules and regulations while allotting accommodation to court employees and verify the genuineness of occupation of quarters and initiate action if there were any irregularities.
Justice S M Subramaniam gave the direction while disposing of a petition from the Madras High Court Staff Association, seeking to allow its members to retain the rental quarters in the event of being transferred to Madurai on a temporary basis even during their absence.
He also directed the Registrar General of Madras High Court to maintain a seniority register.
Justice Subramaniam directed the registry to inspect all government accommodations allotted to high court employees with the assistance of its vigilance department and identify genuineness or otherwise of the occupation of the quarters.

"In case of transfers, a specific application is to be submitted by the allottee/employee, seeking permission for retention of accommodation and on receipt of the same, the same is to be considered on merits and as per regulations in force and issue suitable orders recording the reasons for retention or extension," the judge said.
He also found fault with the seniority fixed in the allotments of government quarters to high court employees by the registry which was based on the appointment date of the employee.

"It is stated that the allotment of quarters are processed based on the seniority i.e., date of appointment. On what basis such a procedure is prescribed has not been explained," he said.

He also directed the registry to ensure that allotments are to be made strictly in accordance with the rules and regulations issued by the government.
If any illegal occupations are found contrary to the terms and conditions of the allotment order, then eviction proceedings are to be initiated without any further delay by following the procedures contemplated for such eviction, Justice Subramaniam directed the registry.
With regard to retention of quarters by employees, the judge said, "It is made clear that retention of accommodation can be given by way of permission and on application by the allottee and such orders are to be passed considering the merits of each case and by recording the reasons, so that discriminations and arbitrariness can be avoided.