The state government issued an order on June 1, 2022 placing Jim Golden Thingujam, Joint Director (SCERT) in the post of Director (SCERT) on an in-charge basis. However, a division bench of HC nixed the arrangement in the light of its order dated 22-05-2020, directing the authorities to maintain status quo.
TFM Desk
The High Court of Manipur on Tuesday stayed Manipur Government’s June 1 order placing Jim Golden Thingujam, Joint Director (SCERT) in the post of Director (SCERT) on an in-charge basis.
A division bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh nixed the arrangement in the light of the order passed by the high court on 22-05-2020, directing the authorities to maintain status quo obtaining as on that date.
“The order passed by the authorities disturbing the status quo unilaterally and placing Jim Golden Thingujam in the post of Director (SCERT), Government of Manipur, on in-charge basis, is suspended,” ruled the division bench.
The ruling came following a petition filed by Sukham Premjit Singh challenging the state government order issued on June 1, 2022 assigning Jim Golden Thingujam, Joint Director (SCERT) to hold the charge of Director (SCERT), Manipur without any extra remuneration in addition to his normal duties with immediate effect and until further orders in public interest.
It may be noted that promotion of Jim Golden Thingujam to the post Joint Director (SCERT) has been under judicial scrutiny.
A single judge bench of the high court had on February 28, 2020 declared that the promotion of Jim Golden Thingujam to the post of Joint Director SCERT dated 28.3.2014 is unconstitutional and directed the authorities to remove him from the post immediately.
However, a division bench of the high court had directed the authorities to maintain status quo as on 22-05-2020 after Jim Golden Thingujam challenged the single judge bench’s ruling.
The Manipur government’s order came after Uripok A/C MLA Khwairakpam Raghumani Singh lobbied to get Jim G. Thingujam, Joint Director, SCERT promoted to the post of Director.
Overlooking all the legal tangles, MLA Raghumani wrote to the Education Minister that “Jim G. Thingujam, Joint Director, SCERT is the senior most Officer amongst the eligible candidates for promotion to the post of Director as per the RRs. It is reported he is presently serving as the Head of Office and running the Department efficiently even in the absence of a regular Director. He is qualified academically and experienced administratively.”:
“For the smooth running and betterment of the SCERT Directorate and improvement of school education and encouragement of hardworking Officers, it is proposed that Shri Jim G Thingujam may be given the charge of Director/SCERT in public interest,” he added.