Uniform Instructions for Handling Departmental Court Cases – AIASC Representation

AIASC (Gr. B) CHQ requests to the Hon'ble Secretary (Posts), New Delhi for issuing uniform instructions regarding handling and representation of Departmental Court Cases by Inspector Posts/Assistant Superintendent of Posts instead of routinely deputing Public Relations Inspectors (Postal)

Subject: Request for uniform instructions on handling departmental court cases by Inspector Posts/Assistant Superintendent of Posts instead of routinely deputing Public Relations Inspectors (Postal) [PRI(P)].

1️⃣ Background

• The Department recently issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling court cases, emphasizing accountability, timely compliance, and effective monitoring.
• The Association appreciates this initiative but highlights a practical issue: at many Divisional levels, PRI(P) officers are routinely deputed for court attendance, diverting them from their core supervisory duties.

2️⃣ Statutory Position

• Under Rule 145 of the Postal Manual, Vol II, Inspectors Posts/ASPs are authorized to represent the Department in court cases.
• The SOP also assigns them responsibility for scrutiny, coordination, and assistance in litigation matters.

3️⃣ Operational Difficulties

• PRI(P) officers are often Postal Assistants assigned to miscellaneous duties by Divisional Heads.
• Their frequent court attendance hampers essential field‑level tasks such as:
• Supervision of Postmen and delivery staff
• Checking Postmen’s bags and undelivered articles
• Letter Box clearance and delivery‑related checks
• Fraud enquiries and operational investigations

4️⃣ Impact

• Routine deputation of PRI(P) leads to:
• Reduced supervision and delivery efficiency
• Delayed mail handling and irregularities
• Pending complaints and fraud‑related enquiries
• Defeat of the supervisory purpose for which PRI(P) exists

5️⃣ Association’s Stand

• Court attendance should not become a routine duty for PRI(P).
• The Inspector (Courts) post already exists in each Division for this purpose.
• Handling and representation should rest with Inspector Posts/ASPs, under Divisional Head supervision.

6️⃣ Proposed Benefits

• Proper attention to court cases by qualified officers
• Effective departmental assistance to Government Counsel
• Improved litigation management
• PRI(P) able to perform core operational duties
• SOP implemented in its true spirit

7️⃣ Earnest Appeal

The Association requests the Hon’ble Secretary (Posts) to:

1. Issue uniform instructions to all Circles, Regions, and Divisions ensuring court cases are handled by Inspector Posts/ASPs or other competent officers.

2. Review the practice of routinely utilizing PRI(P) for court attendance so they can focus on delivery supervision, fraud prevention, and operational efficiency.

8️⃣ Administrative Utilisation

• The representation stresses balanced manpower use—ensuring both litigation and postal operations receive professional attention.

• Proper duty allocation will prevent ambiguity and improve efficiency.

9️⃣ Conclusion

The Association seeks sympathetic intervention and early issuance of clear instructions from the Postal Directorate for better litigation management and optimal utilization of supervisory manpower.