HC backs govt order of officer’s early retirement

Cuttack: Orissa high court has validated state govt’s premature retirement order of Odisha forest service (OFS) officer Laxman Kumar Pradhan on grounds of dereliction of duty and failure to maintain integrity in office. Pradhan’s premature retirement order was issued on Jan 20, 2021, based on a recommendation by a review committee when he was 56. By then, two departmental proceedings were initiated against him and the inquiry was not concluded and he was under suspension. Another criminal case was registered against him by the state vigilance and final investigation was in progress. Pradhan challenged the order the same year. While dismissing Pradhan’s plea on Monday, Justice M S Raman said the review committee had thoroughly followed the parameters laid down in the guidelines set by the state govt. He added, “In the present context, it can be stated based on such guidelines that it is not prudent in the public interest to retain a govt employee in service if he lacks integrity and such an employee is liable for premature retirement.”

3,500 govt employees get show-cause notices for dereliction of election duties

The Pune district election office is cracking down on government employees skipping mandatory election training. Around 3,500 notices were issued for dodging sessions with false excuses. With 88 lakh voters and increased polling stations, the 60,000 enlisted staff are crucial for smooth elections on November 20th. Penalties may follow for those who don't respond with valid reasons for their absence.

Gram pradhan assaults woman, kin over petty dispute

A woman in Lucknow, India, was attacked by a group of men, including the village head, after she objected to their drinking and fireworks near her home on Diwali. The men later assaulted the woman's son and nephews, leaving one critically injured. The woman claims the village head fired gunshots and stole a gold chain.

Chhattisgarh ACB lodges FIR against retired IAS officers, former advocate general in NAN scam

The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau has filed a case against two retired IAS officers, Anil Tuteja and Alok Shukla, and former advocate general Satish Chandra Verma, alleging their involvement in influencing the investigation of the multi-crore Nagrik Apurti Nigam (NAN) scam.

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