Disposed

Lokanatha M v. Department of Posts

CAT15 Sept 2026O.A./355/2026

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

The Central Administrative Tribunal addressed an original application regarding the premature transfer of a Senior Postmaster from Mangaluru to Shivamogga. The applicant sought to quash the transfer order and continue in the Mangaluru post. The tribunal directed the appropriate authority to consider the applicant's representation and decide within eight weeks, while keeping the transfer order in a

What did the court decide?

Directed Respondent No. 2 to consider the applicant's representation and decide within eight weeks via a speaking order; impugned transfer order kept in abeyance pending decision.

Lokanatha M vs Department of Posts — Pension and Retirement Benefits | CAT (2026)

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1 OA.No.170/00355/2026/CAT/BANGALORE

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CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL BANGALORE BENCH, BENGALURU

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ORIGINAL APPLICATION NO.170/00355/2026

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DATED THIS THE 15^TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2026

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CORAM:

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HON’BLE MRS. JUSTICE S. SUJATHA, MEMBER (J) HON’BLE DR. SANJIV KUMAR, MEMBER (A)

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Lokanatha M S/o Late M. Uggappa Poojary Aged 54 years, working as Senior Postmaster Mangaluru HPO Mangaluru 575 001 Residing at ‘Anugraha’ Salmara, Puttur 574 201 .... Applicant

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(By Shri A.R. Holla, Advocate)

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Vs.

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Union of India By Secretary, Ministry of Communications Department of Posts, Dak Bhavan, New Delhi 110 001

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Chief Postmaster General Karnataka Circle Bengaluru 560 001

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Digitally signed by KAVYA SHREE K Location: CAT, Bangalore Date: 2026.09.16 14:48:46 +05'30'

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OA.No.170/00355/2026/CAT/BANGALORE

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Postmaster General South Karnataka Region Bengaluru 560 001

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Senior Superintendent of Post Offices Mangaluru Division Mangaluru 575 002 .… Respondents

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O R D E R (ORAL)

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PER: JUSTICE S. SUJATHA, MEMBER (J)

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This application is filed by the applicant under Section 19

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of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 seeking the following reliefs:

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“(i) To quash the Memo No. SK/STA/0-2/GOs/RT/2026-27Part (1) dated the 11.09.2026, issued by the respondent No. 3, Annexure A3, transferring the applicant as SPOs, Shivamogga with immediate effect, so far it relates to the applicant.

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(ii) Direct the respondent No. 2 to consider the representation submitted by the applicant dated 12.09.2026, Annexure A4 and continue him as Senior Postmaster, Mangaluru and

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(iii) Grant such other relief deemed fit, having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case.”

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Facts in brief as narrated by the applicant are that the

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applicant while working as SPOs, Mandya was transferred as Senior Postmaster, Mangaluru Head Post Office vide order dated 02.01.2026, and accordingly, took charge on 13.01.2026. However,

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the applicant has now been transferred as SPOs, Shivamogga in terms of the memo dated 11.09.2026. Being aggrieved by the said

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Digitally signed by KAVYA SHREE K Location: CAT, Bangalore Date: 2026.09.16 14:48:46 +05'30'

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OA.No.170/00355/2026/CAT/BANGALORE

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transfer before completion of his tenure and during the midst of the academic year, the applicant submitted a representation to the Respondent No. 2 on 12.09.2026 to cancel his transfer order and continue him as Senior Postmaster, Mangaluru to tide over his personal problems. The same is not responded to, hence, this OA.

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Learned counsel Shri A.R. Holla representing the applicant submits that the impugned order of transfer (Annexure A3) would cause the applicant hardship, jeopardising the studies of his son in the mid of academic year. The applicant has not even completed eight months of his service in Mangaluru, and as such, his premature transfer is not justified. The applicant's father died recently on 25.06.2026, and as such, he is required to look after his aged mother. Hence, the applicant submitted a representation, but of no avail.

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We have carefully considered the submissions of the learned counsel for the applicant and perused the material on record.

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It appears that the applicant has been transferred vide Memo dated 11.09.2026 (Annexure A3) from Mangaluru to Shivamogga and a detailed representation has been given by him

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Digitally signed by KAVYA SHREE K Location: CAT, Bangalore Date: 2026.09.16 14:48:46 +05'30'

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OA.No.170/00355/2026/CAT/BANGALORE

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dated 12.09.2026 (Annexure A4) requesting the Respondent No. 2 to continue him as Senior Postmaster, Mangaluru, the same is pending.

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In the facts and circumstances of the case, without going into the merits and demerits of the case, we direct the Respondent No. 2 to consider the representation submitted by the applicant dated 12.09.2026 (Annexure A4) and take a decision in accordance with law by passing a speaking order in an expedite manner, in any event not later than eight weeks from the date of receipt of the certified copy of this order.

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Till such decision is taken, the impugned transfer order dated 11.09.2026 (Annexure A3) issued by the Respondent No. 3 shall be kept in abeyance as far as the applicant is concerned.

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OA stands disposed of in terms of above.

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No order as to costs.

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Sd/Sd/-

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( DR. SANJIV KUMAR ) ( JUSTICE S. SUJATHA ) MEMBER (A) MEMBER (J)

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/ksk/

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Digitally signed by KAVYA SHREE K Location: CAT, Bangalore Date: 2026.09.16 14:48:46 +05'30'

Lokanatha M v. Department of Posts

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

Lokanatha M v. Department of Posts

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

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