Maha Cabinet discusses MAT order cancelling appointments of

The Maharashtra government Tuesday said it was examining the state Administrative Tribunal's (MAT's) decision Monday to cancel the appointments of 154 police sub-inspectors from a reserved category on the ground that quota injob promotions is illegal.

The issue was discussed in the state Cabinet meeting held here Tuesday.

Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar told reporters that the Law and Judiciary department is studying the MAT order and a decison would be taken after exploring all legal options.

"The chief minister is keeping a tab on it. There was some discussion on the issue in the cabinet meeting too. The government will ensure there is no injustice meted out to anybody. The law department is studying the order," he said.

However, he declined to give a time-frame for resolution of the issue.

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Dalit leader Ramdas Athawle said he met those aspirants whose appointments were cancelled.

"The government should take a decision (in their interest) on the matter," he said.

A delegation of the sub-inspectors called on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also handles Home ministry, Tuesday and sought the government's intervention into the matter.

The delegates termed the MAT order as "unjust".

"Fadnavis told the delegation that the law and judiciary department is being consulted to find out a solution," said an official of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

The MAT cancelled the appointments of the police sub-inspectors belonging to a reserved category on the ground that quota in job promotions is illegal.

A total of 828 police officials had appeared for the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exam for the post of police sub-inspector.

Of 828, 642 officials were from Open category and 186 from reserved categories.

However, 154 of 186 officials were promoted despite them scoring less marks than those belonging to the Open category, following which the aggrieved aspirants moved the MAT.

The High Court had in August this year struck down reservation in promotions and the matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court.