Punjab and Haryana High Court Declares Lambardar a Civil Post, Prohibits Dual Appointments
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 23, 2025:
In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has determined that the position of Lambardar in both Punjab and Haryana constitutes a civil post. This decision implies that individuals serving as Lambardars are now recognized as civil servants and, consequently, are barred from holding any other civil positions simultaneously.
As per the report of The Tribune, the bench, comprising Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Kirti Singh, addressed two pivotal legal questions:
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Applicability of Article 311: Whether the dismissal or removal of a Lambardar is subject to the provisions of Article 311 of the Indian Constitution, which offers safeguards to civil servants against arbitrary dismissal, removal, or demotion.
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Dual Appointments: Whether a Lambardar, holding a civil post, can simultaneously occupy another government position.
The court concluded that the role of a Lambardar meets the criteria of a civil post, thereby bringing it under the purview of Article 311. Furthermore, it clarified that a Lambardar cannot hold any other civil post concurrently.
Additionally, the court acknowledged the heritable nature of the Lambardar position and sanctioned the appointment of a 'Sarbrah Lambardar' as a temporary measure, particularly when the successor of a deceased Lambardar is a minor.
This landmark judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for the administrative framework in Punjab and Haryana, ensuring that the role of Lambardars is aligned with the principles governing civil services.