S.Sedhuramalingam, v. The Principal Secretary To

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 12.09.2017 CORAM :

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE S.M.SUBRAMANIAM W.P.No.10466 of 2016 S.Sedhuramalingam .. Petitioner Vs

1. The Principal Secretary to Government., School Education Department, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 005.

2. The Director of School Education, DPI Complex, College Road, Chennai - 600 006.

3. The Chief Education Officer,

4. The District Education Officer, Coimbatore. .. Respondents Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus to direct the 2nd respondent to kindly consider the reply dated 08.08.2015 and revoke the order of suspension by reviewing the order of suspension issued by the District Educational Officer, Coimbatore in Pro. Rc.No.6681/A1/2014 dated 05.11.2014 and consequently to direct the respondents to complete the disciplinary proceedings expeditiously within the time frame as fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.V.Venkatesan For Respondents : Mr.R.S.Selvam Government Advocate

O R D E R

The relief sought for in this writ petition, though for revocation of suspension. The learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner restricted his prayer by stating that it is suffice if a direction is issued to complete the disciplinary proceedings and pass final orders.

2. In view of the submissions made by the learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner, this Court is inclined to consider the case in this writ petition. On account of certain allegations, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the writ petitioner in proceedings dated 27.07.2015, in which the memorandum of charges are issued. The writ petitioner submitted his explanation denying the charges on 08.08.2015. Thereafter, an Enquiry Officer was also appointed and enquiry is to be completed by the Enquiry Officer.

3. Under these circumstances, the Enquiry Officer and the disciplinary authority are bound to complete the enquiry within a reasonable period.

4. Under these circumstances, the respondents are directed to complete the enquiry and pass final orders in the disciplinary proceedings, within a period of four months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. Accordingly, the writ petition stands disposed of. However, there shall be no order as to costs. Sd/- Asst.Registrar (CO) /true copy/ Sub Asst. Registrar msm To

1. The Principal Secretary to Government., School Education Department, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 005.

2. The Director of School Education, DPI Complex, College Road, Chennai - 600 006.

3. The Chief Education Officer,

4. The District Education Officer, + 1 cc to Mr.V.Venkatesan Advocate,SR.67066 + 1 cc to The Govt.Pleader, SR.66660 W.P.No.10466 of 2016 NR 24/10/2017