Stating that political interference and influence in appointments is also "corruption", the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court today set aside the appointment of six watchmen in Schools of 'Usilampatti Educational District.'
Justice S.Nagamuthu also directed the government to appoint SP of Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-corruption, Xavier Dhanaraj to investigate the appointments, and submit a report within six months to the government. He said if needed, prosecution could be initiated against if anyone was found guilty.
The Judge, however, said those who were appointed on merit would not be disturbed.
Justice S.Nagamuthu rejected the report of the senior IAS officer and Principal Secretary to the Industries Department C.V.Shankar regarding the appointments, which said the appointments had been made not only based on recommendations but on merit,
The judge said such a policy would deprive genuinely meritorious and poor students who could not influence either through politicians or otherwise of their jobs and livelihood.
"The politicians could make recommendation, for example, for drainage in their areas..Or for a bridge..Or even street water tap..But they should not interfere in appointments."
The judge said the IAS officer seemed to have believed the statements of the officials of the education department, on the face of it, and had submitted his report without enquiring those who gave the recommendations.
Regarding the petitioner Ganesan's plea that he should be appointed, the judge said the court could not give any direction on his plea. On the other hand when fresh recruitment for the six persons, whose appointment had been set aside, takes place, he also could apply and his name could be considered.
The petitioner had alleged that officials of the School Education Department made several appointments to the posts of watchman and sweeper in Usilampatti education district on the recommendations of MLAs, Ministers and district secretaries of the ruling party.
K. Ganesan (38), a hearing-impaired candidate, who was not selected as a watchman despite the three per cent reservation for the disabled and being eligible for the post, moved the court challenging the appointments made in 2012 in Usilampatti educational district.
