P. Narasimhulu, v. The State Of Andhra Pradesh, Rep. By Its Principal Secretary
THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE NOOTY RAMAMOHANA RAO WRIT PETITION No.9021 OF 2015 O R D E R:
The petitioner herein, who was working as a Field Assistant in 4th respondent office challenges the validity of the orders passed by the Project Director, Anantapuram on 11.02.2015 placing him under suspension pending inquiry. The Project Director, Anantapuram had reason to believe that the petitioner has indulged in gross irregularities such as not discharging his duties according to job chart allotted to the Field Assistants, etcetera. Hence, he passed the impugned order placing the petitioner under suspension pending inquiry into such gross allegations.
Heard learned counsel for the petitioner Sri K.Srinivas, Sri M.S.R. Chandra Murthy, learned Standing Counsel for Respondent No.3 and learned Assistant Government Pleader for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development (Andhra Pradesh) on behalf of the 1st respondent.
When grave and serious allegations are thrown against a Field Assistant, touching upon his integrity, it is only appropriate that such a person should be kept away from any possibility of repeating similar mistake. Suspension is only a step-inaid for conducting the necessary inquiry. I am therefore, not in a position to hold that placing the petitioner under suspension pending inquiry is, in any manner, vitiated. However, it should be noted that as soon as an employee is placed under suspension, every effort must be made to conduct a detailed inquiry by affording a fair and reasonable opportunity to such an individual to participate effectively demonstrating his defence there against and appropriate final orders should be passed. Let this exercise be completed within a maximum period of one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
With this, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, the miscellaneous applications, if any shall also stand disposed of.
_______________________________________ JUSTICE NOOTY RAMAMOHANA RAO 01.04.2015 Ksp