Kerala High Court Directs KELSA To Appoint Persons To 5 Vacant Posts In Permanent Lok Adalat Sanctioned By State Government

The Kerala High Court has directed the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) to appoint persons to 5 posts, namely, Head Clerk, Bench Assistant, Clerical Assistant (Daily Wages), Confidential Assistant, and Office Assistant at the Permanent Lok Adalat, which had been sanctioned by the State Government vide its Order. 

Justice Devan Ramachandran passed the Order on being informed by the State that vide its Order dated October 2010, the aforementioned 5 posts had been sanctioned. 

Government Pleader Rajeev Jyothish George further stated that the appointment were to be made by means of deputation from the State Subordinate Judicial Service, or from the High Court Service. He added that KELSA could make such appointments, and the Government would thereafter effectuate the payment of salary to such persons. 

The Court in this case was seized with a plea seeking provision of sufficient staff at the Permanent Lok Adalat in order to ensure its proper functioning. The petitioner further sought his insurance claim, which is presently pending before the said authority to be disposed of within a specific time frame. 

"In the afore circumstances and with the consent of both sides, I allow this Writ Petition, directing the competent Authority of the KELSA to appoint persons against the said posts at the earliest, but not later than two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. Needless to say, once such appointments are made and the Government will ensure funds for payment of salary to such persons, without any avoidable delay," Justice Ramachandran observed in this regard. 

The plea was moved through Advocates Asok Chacko Thomas, and Rajesh Vijayendran. 

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Ker) 663

Case Title: Bobby P. Kuriakose v. State of Kerala & Ors. 

Case Number: W.P.(C) No. 37716 OF 2022

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