State directed to extend benefits to all listed personnel under the 2005 Government Order, ending discriminatory practices.
In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has directed the State Government to release promised rewards to all eligible personnel of the Special Task Force (STF) involved in the operation against the infamous forest brigand Veerappan. The court quashed an arbitrary endorsement that restricted rewards to only a select few officers present on the day of Veerappan’s neutralization, emphasizing the discriminatory nature of the decision.
Presiding Judge, Mr. Sachin Shankar Magadum, underscored the principle of equality and uniform application of judicial decisions. He stated that once a Government Order lists eligible beneficiaries, the State cannot deny benefits on arbitrary grounds. This landmark judgment comes as a relief to several STF personnel who participated in the exhaustive and perilous operation but were denied recognition and rewards due to procedural bottlenecks.
The judgment elaborates on the constitutional obligation of the State to treat all similarly situated persons equally, without compelling them to individually approach the court for justice. The court remarked that the State, as a model employer, must honor its promises and extend rewards as per the Government Order dated July 8, 2005, which followed the STF’s successful operation against Veerappan.
The endorsement dated August 17, 2015, which limited rewards only to those present on the day Veerappan was killed, was deemed arbitrary and discriminatory by the court. The judgment builds upon previous judicial directions issued by a Coordinate Bench, which had addressed similar grievances and ruled in favor of extending rewards to all listed STF personnel.
The court’s directive mandates the State to release the reward amount within twelve weeks from the receipt of the court’s order, ensuring that the petitioners receive their due recognition. This ruling is expected to set a precedent for future cases concerning government promises and the equitable distribution of rewards.
The petitioners, represented by Advocate Sri. B S Nagaraj, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, seeing it as a victory for fairness and justice. The State, represented by Additional Government Advocate Sri. Aditya Diwakar, has been instructed to comply with the court’s orders promptly, avoiding further litigation rounds.
As the legal community and the general public reflect on this decision, it underscores the importance of adhering to promises made by governmental authorities and ensuring that all personnel who risk their lives in service of the nation are duly rewarded and recognized.
Bottom line:-
State cannot arbitrarily deny benefits or rewards promised to personnel of the Special Task Force (STF) who participated in the operation against forest brigand Veerappan, especially when their names are listed as eligible beneficiaries under a Government Order.
Statutory provision(s): Constitution of India - Equality before law, Administrative Law - Government Order, Writ Petition - Quashing of arbitrary endorsement.
Sri Srinivasa S v. State of Karnataka, (Karnataka) : Law Finder Doc id # 2897148
