HC sets aside DM's order to college teachers for election duty

Patna, May 11 (UNI) Patna High Court today restrained District Magistrate(DM) of Gaya from assigning duty to teachers of Magadh University in coming Panchayat elections.

A single bench of Justice Shivkirti Singh passed the order during the hearing of a petition of Magadh University Teachers' Association challenging order of the Gaya DM of assigning election duties to teachers.

In its petition, the association pointed out that teachers were appointed as patrolling magistrates for the panchayat elections saying it could be done by gazetted rank officers.The petitioner further contended that 10 to 15 gazetted officers were already posted in each block as different capacities and their services could be easily utilised for the election duty.Not more than 10 to 15 gazetted officers would be required during the panachayat election in each block and services of officers already posted in the block could be used for the said purpose, counsel of the petitioner submitted in the court.

DM also did not take permission from the higher authorities of the university before directing the teachers to perform election duties, the counsel of the petitioner added.

Earlier District Magistrate of Gaya had directed the teachers of Magadh University to perform duties as patrolling magistrates during the coming Panchayat elections.The DM's directive in this connection had triggered widespread resentment among the teachers compelling them to apporoach the court for relief.

UNI XC PL DB1820