N. Kumari, v. The State Of Andhra Pradesh,

THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE NOOTY RAMAMOHANA RAO WRIT PETITION No. 7347 of 2015 O R D E R:

The petitioner herein, who was working as a Field Assistant under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in Visakhapatnam District, has been placed under suspension, through proceedings, dated 05.11.2014, inasmuch as one of the MPTC members has complained against her conduct and performance of her duties.

Since a prima facie case is made out, through the impugned order, the petitioner has been placed under suspension pending disciplinary enquiry as per the policy guidelines. The grievance is that though more than four months' period has already elapsed, nothing concrete has emerged.

Sri M.S.R. Chandra Murthy, learned Standing Counsel, who has accepted notice on behalf of Respondents 3 to 5, would submit that enquiry proceedings would be concluded as expeditiously as is possible.

In view of the serious nature of the allegations levelled against the petitioner, it will not be possible for this Court to infer that she has been placed under suspension without any application of mind to the gravity of the situation. Suspension is only a step-in-aid for collecting the material against the individual and then proceeding with the enquiry. As it is four months' time has already elapsed. Therefore, the respondents are directed to complete the disciplinary enquiry initiated against the petitioner as early as possible, at any rate, within a maximum period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order and communicate the final decision taken thereon to her. I hope and trust that the petitioner will extend the necessary cooperation to enable the enquiry to be completed.

With this, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, the miscellaneous applications, if any shall also

stand disposed of.

----------------------------------------- NOOTY RAMAMOHANA RAO, J 20th March 2015 ksld