Daijiworld Media Network – Moodbidri (SP)

Moodbidri, Nov 23: In a curious development, two officials stand posted to the position of the chief officer in the local municipality.

It may be recalled that the then chief officer, Leena Britto, had been suspended by former deputy commissioner of the district, V Ponnuraj, alleging dereliction of duty. After Britto approached the High Court, it nullified the suspension order. Accordingly, her suspension was revoked by the government on November 15, and she reported for duties the next day.

After Britto’s suspension, A V Ganesh began working in that post. After the reinstatement of Leena Britto, he was transferred by the government to Mangalore City Corporation. Ganesh, instead of handing over charge of the post to Britto on November 16, proceeded on leave. He succeeded in obtaining a stay order against his transfer, on November 18, from the High Court. The High Court, in its order, has said that Ganesh should not be shifted from his post till the next hearing of the case, which has been scheduled for December 7.  Ganesh came to the office on Saturday November 20, and functioned in his position, by passing orders and signing files.

When Leena Britto came to the office at 9.45 am on Saturday, Ganesh was already in the chief officer’s chair. After a brief verbal altercation between the two, she was accommodated in a separate seat. Both of them have been claiming that they have the legitimate right over this position, as both of them hold orders from the High Court in their favour. Municipal president, Ratnakar Devadiga, standing committee chairman, Shivaraj Rai, and several councillors witnessed the tussle between the two claimants to the same chair.

The municipal president reported the matter to the district level authorities and sought clarification on the issue. It is learnt that the authorities in turn, sent fax to the urban development department secretary by fax. As no clarification was received even on Monday, the imbroglio continued. Leena Britto remained absent from the office on Monday.

Although there is confusion as to whose orders the lower level officials have to take, the local municipal president convened an emergency meeting of employees on Saturday, and told them that A V Ganesh will continue to be the chief officer as per the High Court order, till further orders to the contrary.