Court refuses to meddle in ‘politically influenced transfer’

GANDHINAGAR - The Gujarat High Court Wednesday refused to stay the cancellation of a “politically influenced transfer” of a state government employee.

The petitioner, Bhavna Kubavat, approached the high court against cancellation of her transfer from Kotda Sangani to Atkot in Rajkot district.

It was submitted that the authorities had transferred her to Atkot on a recommendation of the Rajkot MP, but later the transfer was cancelled within 12 days under influence of the same MP.

The high court told the petitioner to approach the local MP under whose influence the transfer was made and later cancelled by authorities.

“If you’ve approached the MP, then approach him again, not the court. You instigated the transfer with political influence. The court is not inclined to interfere in the matter,” Justice Anant Dave said.

The court commented: “Don’t vote for him in future if you wish to but interference of the court in this matter is not required.”

Advocate for the petitioner Vijay Nagesh told the court that the petitioner being a lady finds it very difficult to commute to and from the place of work where she’s been transferred due to inadequate transport facilities.

Dave said: “In the golden jubilee year of the state, the state government is claiming to have road transport available to almost all villages of the state. Also, it is your responsibility to manage your own transport to the workplace.”