1 APHC010538352026 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATI (Special Original Jurisdiction) [3460] THURSDAY, THE 8th DAY OF OCTOBER 2026 PRESENT THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE NYAPATHY VIJAY WRIT PETITION NO: 29313/2026 Between: K. Ashok Kumar ...PETITIONER AND The State Of Andhra Pradesh and Others ...RESPONDENT(S) Counsel for the Petitioner: 1. S SRINIVASA RAO Counsel for the Respondent(S): 1. GP FOR SERVICES IV The Court made the following: 2 THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE NYAPATHY VIJAY Writ Petition No.29313 of 2026 ORDER: 1. The present Writ Petition is filed to declare the action of the Respondents in not considering the case of the Petitioner for promotion to the post of Joint Director on account of pendency of departmental enquiry as illegal and arbitrary. 2. The Petitioner is working as Deputy City Planner in Tadepalli- Mangalagiri Municipal Corporation, in the care of Deputy Director. It is stated that now he is eligible and qualified for promotion to the post of Joint Director. While so, a Charge Memo was issued to the Petitioner vide G.O.Rt.No.26 MA & UD (VIG.II) Department, dated 08.01.2024, on certain allegations. 3. It is stated that after serving the above charge memo, the Petitioner submitted statement of defence refuting the aforesaid charge and enquiry is stated to be pending. Though Departmental Enquiries were initiated against the Petitioner in the year 2024, there is no progress in the Enquiry. On account of the pendency of the Departmental Enquiry, the Respondents are proposing to ignore the Petitioner’s candidature for promotion to the next higher post. It was in that context, the present Writ Petition was filed. 4. Heard the counsels. 5. Having heard the respective submissions, this Court is of the opinion that the case of the Petitioner for promotion to the post of the Joint Director can be considered in terms of G.O.Ms.No.257, dated 10.06.1999. 3 6. The Writ Petition is disposed of, with following directions:- i) The Respondents are directed to consider the Petitioner’s case for promotion to the Post of Joint Director, subject to the Petitioner possessing requisite qualifications in terms of G.O.Ms.No.257, General Administration (Ser.C) Department, dated 10.06.1999, taking note of the delay in conclusion of the Departmental Proceedings. ii) There shall be no order as to costs. As a sequel, miscellaneous petitions, pending if any, shall stand closed. ________________________ JUSTICE NYAPATHY VIJAY Date : 08.10.2026 eha 4 THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE NYAPATHY VIJAY WP No.29313 of 2026 Dt.08-10-2026 eha