Service Law — Deputation — Appointment of Administrative Manager — Challenge to appointment on deputation — Petitioner attaining superannuation during pendency — Writ petition rendered infructuous —

HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATI

(Special Original Jurisdiction)
Before: The Honourable Sri Justice Challa Gunaranjan
Date: 6 November 2025
Writ Petition No. 23765 of 2002
[2025:APHC:47077]

CASE TITLE

K. David … Petitioner
Versus
The Government of Andhra Pradesh and Others … Respondents

Counsel:
For Petitioner — G. V. Shivaji
For Respondents — GP for Environment; K. Sita Ram; GP for Services II

HEADNOTES

Service Law — Deputation — Appointment of Administrative Manager — Challenge to appointment on deputation — Petitioner attaining superannuation during pendency — Writ petition rendered infructuous —
Petitioner, an in-service candidate, questioned the appointment of third respondent as Administrative Manager on deputation by proceedings dated 22-02-2001, contending that such appointment was contrary to G.O.Ms.No.180 dated 16-12-1996 and applicable service rules, and sought direction for his own promotion.

Held, as the petitioner had since attained age of superannuation and no interim relief had been granted meanwhile, the cause of action had ceased to survive. The petition was, therefore, dismissed as infructuous.

Result: Writ petition dismissed as infructuous; no order as to costs.

CASE FACTS

• The petitioner filed the writ petition under Article 226 challenging the proceedings dated 22-02-2001 of the 2nd respondent appointing the 3rd respondent as Administrative Manager on deputation, contending it violated recruitment rules and G.O.Ms.No.180, dated 16-12-1996.

• He sought setting aside of the appointment and a direction to promote him as an eligible in-service candidate.

• The petition was pending since 2002. During the course of proceedings, the petitioner reached the age of superannuation.

• No interim order for his appointment was granted, and counsel reported loss of contact with the petitioner and lack of instructions to continue.

HELD BY

Per Challa Gunaranjan, J. —
From the record it appeared that the petitioner had attained superannuation, rendering the relief sought academic. No surviving cause for adjudication remained.

Accordingly, the writ petition was dismissed as infructuous. No costs.
Miscellaneous petitions, if any, closed.

CITATION

K. David v. Government of Andhra Pradesh & Ors., W.P. No. 23765 of 2002, decided on 06-11-2025 (AP High Court, per Challa Gunaranjan, J.) = 2025:APHC:47077