The Allahabad High Court has summoned the Excise Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj, to appear in court on August 23 with all relevant records, in a clear sign of judicial displeasure over what it perceives as arbitrary administrative actions. The order issued by Justice J.J. Munir’s bench came in response to a petition filed by Laxmi Singh, a constable in the Excise Department, challenging her transfer from Varanasi to Kaushambi.
The court’s intervention followed allegations of maladministration within the Excise Department. Laxmi Singh’s advocate, Vibhu Rai, argued that the transfer, effected on June 29, 2024, was arbitrary and lacked justification. The High Court had previously directed on July 8, 2024, that Singh should submit a representation to the Excise Commissioner, which the department was to duly consider.
However, the court noted that the department seemed to act out of arrogance and malice by dismissing her representation and swiftly issuing a charge sheet to the petitioner merely three days after the court’s July order. This rapid administrative response, according to the court, suggests a disregard for its directives and a lack of fair hearing accorded to Singh.
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Justice Munir’s bench has therefore called upon the Excise Commissioner to personally attend the hearing, bringing all documents related to the case. This move underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring administrative actions are grounded in fairness and legality, especially when they affect the lives and careers of government servants.
