C.Chinnathambi v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

Dated : 30.06.2022 Coram THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.KRISHNAKUMAR C.Chinnathambi .... Petitioner Vs.

1. The District Collector, Salem District, Salem.

2. The Enquiry Officer, District Supply and Consumer Protection Officer, Salem.

.. Respondents Prayer : This writ petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to conclude the disciplinary proceedings within a limited time frame.

For Petitioner : Mr.M.Sedhumadhavan For Respondents : Mr.E.Veda Bagath Singh.

Spl. Govt. Pleader

ORDER

This petition has been filed to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to conclude the disciplinary proceedings, within a stipulated time, as fixed by this Court.

2. By consent of counsels for both the parties, this writ petition is disposed of at the admission stage itself

3. Heard the learned counsels for both parties.

4. The petitioner was working as Special Tahsildar in Sankari, Salem District and he was suspended by the first respondent, vide order dated 30.03.2020 and he was not permitted to retire on 31.03.2020. According to the petitioner, for the allegations related to the year 2016, the suspension order was issued after four years and though the Enquiry process was completed as early as on 16.12.2020, the Enquiry Officer/2nd respondent dragging the proceedings for about two years, without filing the Report. Hence, this Writ Petition.

5. The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents submitted that the Enquiry Officer will file his report within two weeks and thereafter, the first respondent will pass orders, as contemplated under the Rules.

6. Inview of the above submissions and also considering the limited scope of prayer, without expressing any opinion on merits, this court is inclined to pass the following order. i) The first respondent is directed to proceed the disciplinary proceedings and complete the same by passing final orders, as contemplated under the Rules, within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7. With the above direction, the writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

30.06.2022 Index : Yes/No Internet: Yes/No mst

To

1. The District Collector, Salem District, Salem.

2. The Enquiry Officer, District Supply and Consumer Protection Officer, Salem.

D.KRISHNAKUMAR, J.

mst 30.06.2022