CAT declines to stay Kerala Govt order

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Ernakulam, on Wednesday declined to stay the September 18 order of the Kerala Government suspending V Gopinathan, Chief Conservator of Forests.

While admitting the application of Gopinathan challenging his suspension, the Tribunal directed the government to file its reply by October 22.

The applicant was suspended on the allegation that he had failed in his duty to apprise the government regarding the Merchiston land deal and related matters.

According to the petitioner, the suspension order was without authority of law and sought to set it aside. The suspension was selective and against the provisions of central service disciplinary and appeal rules.

Government opposed the application saying that there was enough material to place him under suspension.

Without availing the statutory remedying of filing appeal before government, he has rushed to court, the government pointed out.