Authorities must decide transfer-policy grievances objectively and by reasoned order within the prescribed period.

The petitioner, a Sub-Engineer posted at the Project Implementation Unit, Mohla-Manpur, challenged the order dated 1 October 2026 transferring him to the Project Implementation Unit, Kondagaon.

He contended that the transfer breached the transfer policies dated 3 June 2015 and 5 June 2025, including provisions concerning service in Scheduled Areas and posting of spouses at the same place; he had submitted a representation dated 5 October 2026 under Clause 8 of the 2025 Policy.

The State disputed the claimed restrictions and submitted that the transfer was made on administrative grounds, while accepting that the representation was for the authorities to consider under Clause 8.

1. Whether the petitioner’s transfer should be quashed as contrary to the transfer policies dated 3 June 2015 and 5 June 2025.

2. Whether the petitioner’s representation should be considered by the authorities under Clause 8 of the 5 June 2025 Policy before the Court determines the transfer challenge.

The Court applied Clause 8 of the Transfer Policy dated 5 June 2025, which provides an in-house mechanism for considering an employee’s grievance against a transfer alleged to violate the policy.

The clause contemplates submission of a reasoned representation, with a copy of the transfer order, within 15 days of the order, for consideration through the prescribed committee mechanism.

Because the petitioner had already submitted a representation under Clause 8, and that representation remained to be considered by the competent authorities, the Court declined to adjudicate the transfer’s legality at that stage.

It instead directed the authorities to assess the grievance objectively and issue a reasoned decision within the period prescribed by Clause 8, in accordance with law and on the merits.

It disposed of the writ petition with a direction to the respondent authorities to decide the petitioner’s representation objectively, by a reasoned order, within the time prescribed under Clause 8 of the 5 June 2025 Policy.