An IAS officer has moved the TN bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) to quash an order dated September 11 this year of the Chief Secretary refusing him permission to participate in a church festival in Korea.
C Umashankar, Commissioner for Disciplinary Proceedings in Chennai, (in pic) in a communication dated August 13 last, prayed the Chief Secretary to permit him to accept the hospitality extended by the Manmin Central Church in Seoul, Korea, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary celebrations, and to grant earned leave for the purpose. However, the Chief Secretary rejected his plea stating that the All India Services (Conduct) Rules did not permit such activities. Thereafter, Umashankar decided not to avail any foreign hospitality and to meet the expenses on his own and sent another letter dated September 21 to grant earned leave for going to Korea. In the meantime, the week-long celebrations concluded on October 10.
The petitioner contended that the rejection order was illegal and without jurisdiction. His right to freedom of travel and freedom of conscience and to profess and practise a religion of his choice could not be curtailed, Umashankar added.
The CAT, on October 12, admitted the application and posted it for further hearing on on December 12.