Court summons official on school appointments

MADURAI: The Madurai bench of Madras high court on Tuesday directed senior IAS officer C V Sankar, who probed the reported appointments in schools based on political functionaries' recommendations, to appear before it on Wednesday.
It also asked the government side to produce documents relating to the case, which were taken from the court's registry.
The case pertains to a petition filed by K Ganesan of Thiruparankundram, who was denied a posting in a government school.Justice S Nagamuthu, who heard the case, ordered Sankar to appear before the court on Wednesday.
The petitioner had contended that appointments were made on the basis of political functionaries' recommendations. Of 28 appointments, including eight posts for watchmen and 20 sweepers in government high schools and higher secondary schools, meritorious candidates were appointed only in 12 posts - two watchmen and 12 sweepers.
Last year, the court directed Sankar to probe the issue and submit a report.
Accordingly, he submitted his report giving clean chit to politicians as well as government officers, over which the court expressed its displeasure. Hence, it sought appearance of Sankar with documents on Tuesday.
When the case came up for hearing before the judge, the additional advocate general submitted an affidavit informing the court that Sankar, the principal secretary of the industries department, was unable to appear before the court as he had to attend the state's cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Chiding the government side, the judge said the officer should appear before court with documents on Wednesday. Failing which the court would view the matter seriously, the judge said.