Karnataka High Court
Sri. Raghavendra R vs Bangalore Water Supply And Sewerage ... on 15 September, 2025
Author: H.T. Narendra Prasad
Bench: H.T. Narendra Prasad
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642
WP No. 18588 of 2025
AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS
HC-KAR
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU
DATED THIS THE 15TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2025
BEFORE
THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.T. NARENDRA PRASAD
WRIT PETITION NO. 18588 OF 2025 (S-TR)
C/W
WRIT PETITION NO. 20894 OF 2025 (S-RES)
WRIT PETITION NO. 18506 OF 2025 (S-TR)
WRIT PETITION NO. 18644 OF 2025 (S-RES)
WRIT PETITION NO. 18579 OF 2025 (S-TR)
WRIT PETITION NO. 20693 OF 2025 (S-TR)
IN WP No.18588/2025:
BETWEEN:
SRI. GOUS INAMDAR
S/O LATE YAKUB INAMDAR
AGED ABOUT 59 YEARS
Digitally signed by WORKING AS ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
HEMALATHA A OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
Location: HIGH NORTH WEST - 2 SUB - DIVISION
COURTOF BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE BOARD
KARNATAKA
PEENYA, BANGALORE - 560 058
R/ AT NO. 66, 6TH CROSS
SRIGANDHANAGAR, SUNKADAKATTE
BANGALORE- 560 091
...PETITIONER
(BY SRI. SATISH K., ADVOCATE)
AND:
1. BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY
AND SEWERAGE BOARD
REP. BY ITS CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642
WP No. 18588 of 2025
AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS
HC-KAR
AND SECRETARY, 1ST FLOOR
CAUVERY BHAVAN, BANGALORE 560 006.
2. THE PERSONNEL MANAGER
BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY
AND SEWERAGE BOARD
1ST FLOOR, CAUVERY BHAVAN
BANGALORE - 560 006.
3. SRI. TEJAS H. B.
WORKING AS ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
NORTH - 2 - 2 SUB - DIVISION
THINDLU, SAHAKARANAGAR
BANGALORE - 560 092
...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI. B L SANJEEV.,ADVOCATE FOR R1 & R2:
SRI. VIVEK SUBBA REDDY, SENIOR COUNSEL FOR
SRI. LOHITASWA BANAKAR, ADVOCATE FOR R3)
THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF
THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO QUASH THE
IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 25/06/2025 BEARING NO. BWSSB
CHAD/EST-13/258/2025 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT NO.2
(ANNEXURE-G), IN SO FAR AS THE PETITIONER AND THE
RESPONDENT NO. 3 ARE CONCERNED AND ETC.
IN WP NO.20894/2025
BETWEEN:
SRI. THEJUS H.B.
S/O DR. BYREGOWDA
AGED ABOUT 32 YEARS
WORKING AS ASSTT. EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
NORTH WEST 2, SUB DIVISION
BENGALURU WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE BOARD
PEENYA BENGLAURU 560 058
R/AT NO. 508, 2ND C MAIN, 11TH BLOCK
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642
WP No. 18588 of 2025
AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS
HC-KAR
NAGARABHAVI 2ND STAGE, BENGALURU 560 072.
...PETITIONER
(BY SRI. VIVEK S. REDDY, SR. ADV., FOR
SRI. LOHITASWA BANAKAR, ADV.,)
AND:
1. BENGALURU WATER SUPPLY AND
SEWERAGE BOARD
REP. BY ITS CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
AND SECRETARY, 1ST FLOOR
CAUVERY BHAVAN, BENGALURU 560 006.
2. THE PERSONNEL MANAGER
BENGALURU WATER SUPPLY AND
SEWERAGE BOARD, 1ST FLOOR
CAUVERY BHAVAN, BENGALURU 560 006.
3. GOUS INAMDAR
S/O LATE YAKUB INAMDAR
AGED ABOUT 59 YEARS
WORKING AS ASST. EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
TECHNICAL ASSISTANT IN THE OFFICE OF
CHIEF ENGINEER, (KAVERI AND MAINTENANCE)
DIVISION, CAUVERY BHAVAN, R/AT 66
6TH CROSS, SRIGHANDANAGAR
SUNKADAKATTE, BANGALORE 560091.
...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI. B.L. SANJEEV, ADV., FOR R1 & R2:
SRI. SATISH K, ADV., C/R3)
THIS WP IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 AND 227 OF THE
CONSTITUTION OF INDIA, PRAYING TO CALL FOR THE
RECORDS. ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI OR ANY OTHER
WRIT OR ORDER OR DIRECTION, IN THE NATURE OF A WRIT,
QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DT.21-06-2025 BEARING
NO. BWSSB/CHAD/EST-13/237/25 PASSED BY THE
RESPONDENT NO. 2 WHICH IS PRODUCED AND MARKED AT
ANNEXURE C TO THE WRIT PETITION & ETC.
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WP No. 18588 of 2025
AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS
HC-KAR
IN WP NO. 18506/2025:
BETWEEN:
SRI. L. HARIKUMAR
S/O G. R. LAKSHMINARASIMHIAH
AGED ABOUT 54 YEARS
WORKING AS ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
(WEST)-2-2, BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY
AND SEWERAGE BOARD, NAGARABHAVI
BANGALORE - 560 056.
...PETITIONER
(BY SRI. R. SUBRAMANYA, ADV., FOR
SMT. KEERTHI KRISHNA REDDY, ADV., &
SRI. ABHISHEK KUMAR, ADV.,)
AND:
1. BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY
AND SEWERAGE BOARD
REP. BY ITS CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE
OFFICER AND SECRETARY
1ST FLOOR, CAUVERY BHAVAN
BANGALORE - 560 006.
2. THE PERSONNEL MANAGER
BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY
AND SEWERAGE BOARD, 1ST FLOOR
CAUVERY BHAVAN, BANGALORE - 560 006.
3. SMT. KEERTHANA K.
UNDER AN ORDER OF POSTING AS
A TECHNICAL OFFICER
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
(NORTH WEST) - 1, WEST OF CORD ROAD
2ND STAGE, BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY
AND SEWERAGE BOARD, BANGALORE 560 086.
...RESPONDENTS
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642
WP No. 18588 of 2025
AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS
HC-KAR
(BY SRI. B.L. SANJEEV, ADV., FOR R1 & R2
SRI. KASHINATH J.D, C/R3)
THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND
227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO QUASH THE
IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 21/06/2025 BEARING NO.BWSSB
CHAD/EST-13/ 237/2025 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT NO.2
(ANNEXURE-D), IN SO FAR AS THE PETITIONER AND THE
RESPONDENT NO. 3 ARE CONCERNED AND ETC.
IN WP NO. 18644/2025:
BETWEEN:
SMT. KIRTHANA .K
W/O K.M. RAVI
AGED ABOUT 42 YEARS
WORKING AS ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
WEST -2-2, BWSSB, 5TH BLOCK
2ND STAGE, NAGARABHAVI OUTER RING ROAD
BENGALURU 560 072
R/ AT VRUDDI NILAYA, 1ST B MAIN ROAD
2ND CROSS , VINAYAKA LAYOUT
MEDARAHALLI, BENGALURU 560 090.
...PETITIONER
(BY SRI. KASHINATH J.D. ADV.,)
AND:
1. THE BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY
AND SEWERAGE BOARD
1ST FLOOR, CAUVERY BHAVAN
K G ROAD, BENGALURU 560 09
REP. BY ITS CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
AND SECRETARY.
2. THE PERSONAL MANAGER
BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY
AND SEWERAGE BOARD
1ST FLOOR, CAUVERY BHAVAN
K G ROAD, BENGALURU 560 009.
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642
WP No. 18588 of 2025
AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS
HC-KAR
3. SRI. HARIKUMAR .L
MAJOR
WORKING AS ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
PRESENTLY WORKING AS TECHNICAL OFFICER
AT THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
(DIVISION) (NORTHWEST-1)
WEST OF CHORD ROAD, 2ND STAGE
BEHIND MODI HOSPITAL, BENGALURU 560 086.
...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI. B.L. SANJEEV, ADV., FOR R1 AND R2
SRI. R. SUBRAMANYA, ADV., FOR
SMT. KEERTHI KRISHNA REDDY, ADV., A/W
SRI. ABHISHEK KUMAR, ADV., FOR R3 )
THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND
227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO QUASH THE
IMPUGNED OFFICIAL MEMORANDUM BEARING NO. BWSSB
CHAD/EST-13/258/2025 DATED 25.06.2025 AS PER
ANNEXURE-M AS ILLEGAL AND SUFFERS FROM MALAFIDES IN
SO FAR AS PETITIONER AND RESPONDENT NO.3 IS
CONCERNED AND ETC.
IN WP NO. 18579/2025:
BETWEEN:
SRI. RAGHAVENDRA .R
S/O LATE RAJAGOPALA .D
AGED ABOUT 44 YEARS
WORKING AS ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
SOUTH WEST 4 SUB - DIVISION
BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE BOARD
BANAGIRI, BANASHANKARI 3RD STAGE
BANGALORE 560 085
RESIDING AT NO. 29, BRUHATHI NILAYA
KPTCL LAYOUT, NEAR RAGHAVENDRA LAYOUT
GUBLALA, BANASHANKARI 6TH STAGE
4TH H BLOCK, BANGALORE 560 061
...PETITIONER
(BY SRI. SATISH K, ADV.,)
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642
WP No. 18588 of 2025
AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS
HC-KAR
AND:
1. BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE BOARD
REP. BY ITS CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
AND SECRETARY, 1ST FLOOR
CAUVERY BHAVAN, BANGALORE 560 006.
2. THE PERSONNEL MANAGER
BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY
AND SEWERAGE BOARD
1ST FLOOR, CAUVERY BHAVAN
BANGALORE - 560 006.
3. SMT. NANDINI K. R.
WORKING AS ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT
K AND T VALLEY SUB - DIVISION
KADUBEESANAHALLI STP
OUTER RING ROAD, NEAR MARTHAHALLI
BANGALORE - 560 037.
...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI. B.L. SANJEEV, ADV., FOR R1 & R2:
SRI P.P. HEGDE, SENIOR COUNSEL FOR
SRI. DIVYATEJ H N, ADV.,FOR R3)
THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF
THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO QUASH THE
IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 25/06/2025 BEARING NO. BWSSB
CHAD/EST-13/258/2025 PASSED BY RESPONDENT NO.2
(ANNEXURE -D), IN SO FAR AS THE PETITIONER AND THE
RESPONDENT NO. 3 ARE CONCERNED AND ETC.
IN WP NO. 20693/2025:
BETWEEN:
SMT. NANDINI K.R.
W/O DR. V. VENKATESHAPPA
AGED 32 YEARS
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642
WP No. 18588 of 2025
AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS
HC-KAR
PRESENTLY WORKING AS
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
SOUTH WEST 4 SUB-DIVISION
BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY AND SEWARAGE BOARD
BANAGIRI, BANASHANKARI 3RD STAGE
BENGALURU-560085.
R/AT VKNS GREEN ARCADE, 2ND FLOOR
JNANABHARATHI ROAD, MARIYAPPANAPALYA
BENGALURU- 560056.
...PETITIONER
(BY SRI. P.P. HEGDE, SR. ADV., FOR
SRI. DIVYATEJ H.N. ADV.,)
AND:
1. BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY AND SEWARAGE BOARD,
REPRESENTED BY ITS CAO
AND SECRETARY, 1ST FLOOR
CAUVERY BHAVAN, BENGALURU-560006.
2. THE PERSONNEL MANAGER
BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY AND SEWARAGE BOARD
1ST FLOOR, CAUVERY BHAVAN
BENGALURU-560006.
3. SRI. RAGHAVENDRA R
S/O LATE RAJAGOPALA
AGED 44 YEARS
WORKING AS AN ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE ENGINEER
PRESENTLY WORKING AS ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE
ENGINEER, OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE
ENGINEER, SOUTH WEST 4 SUB-DIVISION
BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY AND SEWARAGE BOARD
BANAGIRI, BANASHANKARI 3RD STAGE
BENGALURU-560085.
(AS PER THE IMPUGNED TRANSFER ORDER
DATED 21.06.2025 AND THE OFFICIAL
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642
WP No. 18588 of 2025
AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS
HC-KAR
MEMORANDUM DATED 07.07.2025).
...RESPONDENTS
(BY SRI. B.L. SANJEEV, ADV., FOR R1 & R2
SRI. SATISH K, ADV., FOR R3)
THIS WP IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 AND 227 OF THE
CONSTITUTION OF INDIA, PRAYING TO QUASH THE IMPUGNED
OFFICIAL MEMORANDUM OF TRANSFER PASSED BY THE
RESPONDENT NO.2 AUTHORITY IN NO. BWSSB CHAD/EST-
13/237/2025 DATED 21.06.2025 VIDE ANNEXURE-B.
QUASHING THE IMPUGNED OFFICIAL MEMORANDUM ISSUED
BY THE RESPONDENT NO.1 AUTHORITY IN NO.
BWSSB/ADMN/CCM/3/2025-ADMN DATE 07-07-2025 VIDE
ANNEXURE-J & ETC.
THESE PETITIONS, COMING ON FOR PRELIMINARY
HEARING IN 'B' GROUP, THIS DAY, ORDER WAS MADE
THEREIN AS UNDER:
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.T. NARENDRA PRASAD
ORAL ORDER
All these petitioners are the employees of the Respondent - Board. WP Nos.18588/2025, 18644/2025 and 18579/2025 are filed by the petitioners under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, challenging the cancellation of transfer order, dated 25.06.2025 passed by the second respondent, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (for short, 'the Board), cancelling the earlier transfer order, whereas, W.P.Nos.20894/2025,
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR 18506/2025 and 20693/2024 are filed challenging the transfer order dated 21.06.2025.
2. Sri Kashinath J.D., the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner in WP No.18644/2025 has raised the following contentions:
(i) Firstly, under Section 88 of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Act, 1964 (for short, '1964 Act'), the Board has a power to issue guidelines or regulations in respect of the service conditions of the employees. By exercising that power, the Board issued the transfer guidelines by way of a notification, on 15.06.2017. In that, it is very specifically mentioned that, the same is subject to modification of the Government transfer policy.
(ii) Secondly, in terms of the Notification issued by the Board dated 18.10.2024, the Board has adopted the Government Transfer Policy dated 12.05.2025, wherein, for Group-A post is concerned, the tenure is for a period of two years.
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR
3. Sri Sathish K., the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner in WP No.18588/2025 submitted that, once the transfer order has been given effect to, it can be cancelled only after giving proper reasons and also only under certain circumstances, which is explained in the transfer guidelines. The impugned cancellation order is passed without giving any reasons and contrary to the transfer guidelines. In support of his contention, he relied on the orders passed by two Division Benches of this Court in W.P.No.2661/2020, disposed of on 29.07.2020 and W.P.No.104179/2021 disposed of on 05.01.2022. Therefore, he contended that the cancellation order is unsustainable.
4. Sri P.P.Hegde, the learned Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioner in WP No.20693/2025 and the third respondent in WP No.18579/2025 raised the following contentions:
(i) Firstly, the Board, invoking the power under Section 88 of the 1964 Act, has issued the transfer
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR guidelines - Notification dated 15.06.2017. From the above Notification, it is very clear that, the tenure of Group-A employee of the Board is for a period of three years. The said Notification is in force as on today. The Circular dated 18.10.2024 is for adopting the KCSRs., Rules, Regulations and other Circulars in respect of the service conditions where the Board has not framed any Rules. Since the Notification dated 15.06.2017 is existing, the transfer policy issued by the Government dated 12.05.2025 is not applicable. Therefore, the tenure for the Group-A is only three years.
(ii) Secondly, the transfer order passed by the Board is contrary to the transfer policy. All transfers are premature. Therefore, to set right the anomaly, they passed the cancellation order on 25.06.2025. Since the transfer order has been passed in violation of the transfer guidelines, that itself is the reason for cancellation. Therefore, there need not be any other reason for cancellation of the transfer order.
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR
(iii) Thirdly, the petitioner in W.P.No.20693/2025 has been prematurely transferred. Thereafter, the petitioner gave a representation on the ground that her one year old child is suffering from serious illness. Considering the reply, the Board passed the cancellation order. Therefore, it cannot be contended that the transfer order is passed without recording any reason.
5. Sri Vivek Subbareddy, the learned Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioner in W.P.No.20894/2025 and the respondent in W.P.No.18588/2025 has raised the following contentions:
(i) Firstly, the transfer order passed by the Board is in violation of the transfer guidelines and the Board has passed a premature transfer order.
(ii) Secondly, the third respondent, i.e., Gouse Inamdar in W.P.No.20894/2025 vide Annexure-E, was transferred on 16.06.2025 as Technical Assistant to CE Kaveri, O & M, Cauvery Bhavan, Bangalore. Thereafter, one more transfer order has been passed on 21.06.2025
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR vide Annexure-C, where he has been transferred to AEE North-West 2, Peenya. After passing the transfer order dated 21.06.2025, he has taken charge as Technical Assistant to CE Kaveri, O & M, Cauvery Bhavan. Because of all these irregularities, the cancellation order has been passed. Therefore, these are the main grounds for passing the cancellation order.
6. Sri R.Subramanya, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner in W.P.No.18644/2025 has raised the following contentions:
(i) Firstly, under the Notification dated 15.06.2017, there is no provision for the Board to adopt the Government transfer policy as and when the Government modifies the transfer policy. The Notification issued by the Board dated 15.06.2017 is in force as on today. The tenure of the Group-A employee of the Board is for a period of three years. The Circular dated 18.10.2024 is only applicable to the service conditions of the employees, where there is no Rules or regulations issued by the
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR Board. Since the Board has already issued a Notification on 15.06.2017, and as on today the same is in force, now, they cannot say that the tenure of the Group-A employee is for a period of two years.
(ii) Secondly, since the transfer order passed by the Board is premature, to set right the anomaly, the Board has issued the cancellation order in the administrative exigency.
7. Sri B.L.Sanjeev, the learned counsel appearing for the Board has raised the following contentions:
(i) Firstly, by exercising the power under Section 88 of the 1964 Act, the transfer guidelines - Notification dated 15.06.2017 has been issued by the Board. In the Notification dated 15.06.2017, it is specifically mentioned that the Board has adopted the Government transfer policy, as it is, subject to some modifications and also submitted that there is a clause in the Notification of the Board dated 15.06.2017 that, whenever the Government
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR changes the transfer policy, the same will be applicable to the Board. Accordingly, on 18.10.2024, the Board has taken a decision and passed an order that, in respect of service conditions of the Board employees is concerned, the Rules, Regulations and Circular issued by the Government is applicable, as it is, including the transfer. As per the transfer guidelines issued by the Government dated 12.05.2025, the tenure of the Group-A employee is for a period of two years. He further submitted that, to that effect, the Board has also filed an affidavit.
(ii) Secondly, the cancellation order passed by the Board dated 25.06.2025 is due to administrative exigency. Even though the file has not contained any reason, when the order is passed for an administrative exigency, this Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India cannot interfere. This Court has very little scope for judicial review. In support of his contention, he has relied on the judgment of the Apex Court in the case of SHILPI BOSE vs. STATE OF BIHAR reported in 1991 Supp (2) SCC
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR 659 and contended that a court cannot interfere with the transfer order, which is made in public interest and for administrative reason.
(iii) Thirdly, all the transfers have been made within the headquarters.
8. Heard the learned counsels for the parties. Perused the petition papers.
9. The questions that arise for consideration in these writ petitions are:
(i) Whether the guidelines issued by the Board dated 15.06.2017 are applicable or the transfer guidelines issued by the Government on 12.05.2025 is applicable?
(ii) Whether the cancellation order passed by the Board dated 25.06.2025 is sustainable in law?
10. Under Section 88 of the 1964 Act, the Board may, with the previous approval of the State Government make regulations not inconsistent with this Act and the rules made thereunder, in respect of the duties of the
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR officer and servant of the Board and their salaries, allowances, and control over other conditions of service. It is relevant to extract Section 88 of the 1964 Act.
"88. Regulations.-- (1) The Board may with the previous approval of the State Government make regulations not inconsistent with this Act and the rules made thereunder to provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:--
(a) the administration of the funds and other property of the Board and the maintenance of its accounts;
(b) the summoning and holding of meetings of the Board and the times and places at which such meetings shall be held, and the conduct of business thereat and the number of members necessary to constitute a quorum;
(c) the duties of officers and servants of the Board, and their salaries, allowances and other conditions of service;
(d) the fine which may be imposed for the breach of any bye-law, which may extend to five thousand rupees, and in case of continuing breach the additional fine which may extend to five
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR hundred rupees for every day, during which the breach continues after receipt of a notice from the Board to discontinue the breach.
(e) the procedure to be followed by the Board in inviting, considering and accepting tenders;
(f) any other matter arising out of the Board's functions under this Act in which it is necessary or expedient to make regulations.
(2) The power to make regulations under this Act is subject to the condition of previous publication."
11. From a reading of the above provision, it is clear that the Board has a power to issue regulations, with the approval of the Government, in respect of the service conditions of the employees. In exercise of that power, the Notification dated 15.06.2017 was issued. From this Notification, it is evident that the Board adopted the transfer guidelines issued by the Government, in 07.06.2013 with certain modifications. For this purpose, a Committee of five officers of the Board was constituted which suggested the guidelines for transfer. It is also
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR recommended that, in future, any modification made to the Government Circular, could also be adopted.
12. As per the Notification dated 15.06.2017, the tenure of the Group-A employee was fixed at three years. A plain reading of the Notification dated 15.06.2017, makes it clear that the Board has the authority to adopt the transfer policy time to time issued by the Government. Further, from the Notification dated 18.10.2024, it is evident that the Board, adopted Karnataka Civil Services Rules and other Rules, Regulations and Circulars issued by the Government. Pursuant to the directions of this Court, the Board filed an affidavit, stating that, under the Notification dated 15.06.2017, it is bound to adopt the transfer policy issued by the Government from time to time. The transfer policy issued by the Government dated 12.05.2025 modified the tenure of the Group-A employees from three years to two years. Considering these aspects, I am of the opinion that the applicable tenure of Group-A Employees of the Board is two years.
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR
13. In respect of cancellation of the earlier transfer order dated 25.06.2025 is concerned, it is undisputed that neither the transfer order itself nor the file produced by the Board, discusses any reason for cancellation. It is also undisputed that the transfer order had already been implemented. The employees have taken charge in the place where they have been transferred. Once the transfer order is given effect to, its cancellation or modification, requires a reason. The Division Bench of this Court in WP No.2661/2020 held as follows:
"18. Under the circumstances, we deem it proper to stipulate the requirement of disclosing specific reasons for issuing orders for modification or cancellation of transfers with a further requirement that the degree of detail/specific reasons would increase with each subsequent modification/cancellation of transfer order, issued prematurely. This would not stifle the power of the executive to transfer officials in exceptional circumstances, but at the same time, the disclosure of reasons would ensure accountability to the public is being served. Such a measure would also act as a check on the transfers being effected on the
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR requests made by officers to particular posts that too repeatedly, as in the instant case. Moreover, the transfer guidelines issued by the State Government to regulate transfers of government servants in the State are statutory in nature and binding on the State Government. They cannot be blatantly flouted to appease any government servant nor can they be ignored while accepting requests from officers/officials to seek postings of their choice. Such action on the part of the State Government not only demoralises the other officers who are consequently displaced prematurely but also generates litigation before the Tribunals/Courts. It needs to be emphasised that no Government Servant should think that he/she can seek postings of his/her choice in blatant violation of the Transfer Guidelines. Such practice has to be deprecated."
14. For transfer, modification or cancellation of transfer order, it requires a reason. Following the said order, a Division Bench of this Court in W.P.No.104179/2021 has taken the same stand. The relevant paragraph 11 is extracted below:
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR "11. ................ A perusal of the notification dated 29.02.2020 would not indicate any reasons for cancellation of earlier notification of transfer.
When the notification of transfer dated 29.02.2020 was given effect to and the same was implemented the notification had spent itself. The notification was not available for cancellation as on 12.03.2020."
15. Therefore, the cancellation order dated 25.06.2025 is unsustainable. In the judgment of the Apex Court relied upon by the learned counsel appearing for the Board, in the case of SHILPI BOSE (supra), it is clearly held that, the courts should not interfere with a transfer order, which is made in public interest and for administrative reasons, unless transfer orders are made in violation of mandatory statutory rule or on the ground of malafide. In the case on hand, the cancellation order is passed in violation of the statutory rules. A Full Bench of this Court in the case of S.N.GANGADHARAIAH vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA AND ANOTHER (W.P.No.58375/2013 disposed of on 13.04.2015)
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR has held that, the transfer policy issued by the State Government under Article 162 of the Constitution of India is having a statutory force. In view of the above, the impugned cancellation order dated 25.06.2025, in respect of the parties herein requires to be quashed.
The points for consideration are answered accordingly.
16. In view of what is stated above, the following order is passed:
(i) W.P.Nos.18588/2025, 18644/2025 and 18579/2025 are allowed.
(ii) The impugned order dated 25.06.2025 passed in W.P.Nos.18588/2025, 18644/2025 and 18579/2025 in respect of the petitioners and the third respondents, in the respective petitions, are quashed.
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR W.P.No.20894/2025:
17. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner in W.P.No.20894/2025 has raised the following contentions:
(i) Firstly, even assuming that the tenure of the Group- A employees is for a period of two years, the petitioner has been disturbed before completion of two years. Since it is a premature transfer, it is contrary to the transfer guidelines.
(ii) Secondly, the petitioner was transferred as Technical Assistant to CE Kaveri, O & M, Cauvery Bhavan on 16.06.2025. Within five days, by the impugned order dated 21.06.2025, he has been transferred to AEE North West 2, Peenya. He has not taken charge in the transferred place as per the transfer order dated 16.06.2025 and he is in the verge of his retirement.
Contrary to the transfer policy, he has been transferred.
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR
18. The learned counsel appearing for the third respondent submitted that, the petitioner has taken charge as per the transfer order dated 16.06.2025. Further, the transfer order dated 21.06.2025 has not been challenged by any person, even though the petitioner's transfer is premature, the petitioner is left with only two months. In support of his contention, he has relied on a Division Bench order of this Court in W.P.No.1757/2022. Hence, submits that it cannot be quashed, it can be implemented after two months.
19. The transfer order dated 16.06.2025 has not been challenged by any person. The impugned transfer order in this petition is dated 21.06.2025 vide Annexure-C, by which, the third respondent has been transferred to the petitioner's place. Even though the petitioner has been transferred on 21.06.2025, he has taken charge on 02.08.2025, only 40 days remaining for completing two years tenure. Even a Division Bench of this Court in
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR W.P.No.1757/2022 disposed of on 22.02.2022 has held as follows:
"8. The learned counsel for the applicant would fairly admit that the applicant would complete his tenure on 05.03.2022. In that view of the matter and in view of the fact that the proposed place of transfer being within a communicable distance and there being no serious prejudice or hardship caused to the applicant in terms of dislocation of family or himself and the proposed transfer of the applicant being just a couple of months shy of the period contemplated under the Guidelines, we deem it appropriate to direct that the order of transfer be made effective from 07.03.2022."
20. Even though the transfer order has been passed on 21.06.2025, in view of the interim order, he has taken charge on 02.08.2025. Therefore, during that period the petitioner is entitled for all service benefits. Since it is only 40 days left for completion of two years, in view of the above judgment, it does not require for quashing.
21. Accordingly, W.P.No.20894/2025 is dismissed.
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR If the petitioner makes any representation, the respondent - Board is directed to consider the same, in accordance with law, without being influenced by the observations made in the course of this order.
WP No.18506/2025:
22. In WP No.18506/2025, the petitioner called in question, the transfer order dated 21.06.2025 vide Annexure-D, in so far as the petitioner and the third respondent are concerned.
23. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner has raised the following contentions:
(i) Firstly, the third respondent has been transferred from different places every two to three months, without any reason. Again, she has been transferred to the petitioner's place and the transfer order is issued with a malafide intention.
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR
(ii) Secondly, even the Board has passed the cancellation order dated 25.06.2025, to see that the petitioner has to be retained in the same place on the ground that the petitioner's service is required in that place. Since the transfer of the third respondent to the petitioner's place is not in the public interest, the impugned order requires to be quashed.
24. The learned counsel appearing for the third respondent has contended that, as per the transfer guidelines, the tenure is for two years, the petitioner has completed two years tenure. Therefore, the Board has passed the transfer order dated 21.06.2025 vide Annexure-D.
25. Heard the learned counsel for the parties and perused the petition papers.
26. The petitioner was transferred to AEE, West 22, Nagarabhavi on 20.08.2022. The impugned transfer order has been passed on 21.06.2025. By that time, the
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR petitioner has completed his tenure of two years. This Court has already held that the cancellation order dated 25.06.2025 is passed without giving any reason. Neither the order nor the file discloses any reason. Since the transfer of the petitioner is not premature or not contrary to the transfer guidelines, there is no illegality or error in the transfer order dated 21.06.2025 in respect of the petitioner and the third respondent are concerned.
Hence, W.P.No.18506/2025 is dismissed. If the petitioner submits any representation, the respondent shall consider the same, without being influenced by this order.
WP No.20693/2025:
27. In W.P.No.20693/2025, the petitioner called in question the transfer order dated 21.06.2025 vide Annexure-B.
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR
28. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner raised the following contentions:
(i) Firstly, the third respondent has taken charge in K&T Valley on 09.09.2024. Before completion of two years, by the impugned order vide Annexure-B, the third respondent has been transferred to the petitioner's place.
Therefore, the transfer order, which is passed, is premature.
(ii) Secondly, the petitioner's daughter is aged about one year and she is suffering from serious illness. To that effect, she has submitted a representation enclosing all the medical documents. Therefore, considering the transfer guidelines, by cancellation order dated 25.06.2025, the petitioner has been retained in AEE, South West 4. Therefore, he sought to allow the writ petition.
29. Sri Satish, the learned counsel appearing for the third respondent has contended that the petitioner has
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR completed two years in AEE, South West 4. Therefore, she has no locus to challenge the transfer order of the third respondent. As per the transfer guidelines, the petitioner has been transferred. Hence, sought to dismiss the writ petition.
30. Heard the learned counsel for the parties. Perused the petition papers.
31. It is not in dispute that the petitioner has taken charge in AEE South East 4 on 01.08.2022. On 21.06.2025, she has completed her tenure of two years. Therefore, transferring the petitioner to K&T Valley is not premature.
32. The only grievance of the petitioner is that, the petitioner submitted a representation vide Annexure G dated 03.07.2025, on the ground that, her daughter is suffering from serious illness. But, in the cancellation order dated 25.06.2025 or in the file, there is no reason forthcoming as to why the transfer order dated
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR 21.06.2025 has been cancelled. Therefore, since the petitioner has completed a tenure of two years, there are no illegalities in the transfer order dated 21.06.2025.
33. The writ petition deserves to be dismissed. Accordingly, W.P.No.20693/2025 is dismissed.
However, it is made clear that, since the petitioner has submitted a representation vide Annexure-G on the ground that her daughter is suffering from serious illness, the respondent - Board is directed to consider the same and take a decision, in accordance with law, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within one week from today.
It is also made clear that this order will not come in the way of the respondent - Board to take a decision on the representation submitted by the petitioner, in accordance with law.
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NC: 2025:KHC:36642 WP No. 18588 of 2025 AND CONNECTED WITH MATTERS HC-KAR In view of transfer and cancellation order and the petitioner submitting a representation for cancellation of the impugned transfer order dated 21.06.2025 and in view of pendency of this case, she could not take charge in K&T Valley, the respondent - Board is directed to grant all service benefits to the petitioner during this period.
In view of disposal of the petitions, all pending applications stand disposed of.
Sd/-
(H.T. NARENDRA PRASAD) JUDGE CM List No.: 1 Sl No.: 75