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Madras High CourtWP/37346/2024disposed of

N.Chitra v. The Inspector General Of Registration

2024-12-12Honourable Mrs Justice V.Bhavani Subbaroyan5 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 12.12.2024

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE V.BHAVANI SUBBAROYAN W.P.No.37346 of 2024 R. Chitra

...Petitioner

Vs

1. The Inspector General of Registration, Office of the Inspector General of Registration, 100, Santhome High Road, Mylapore, Chennai- 600 004.

2. Thiru M. Selvakumar Inquiry Officer, District Registrar ( Audit), Cuddalore - District.

...Respondents

PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the first and second respondents to complete the disciplinary proceedings initiated under charge memo No. 3959/V1/2019 dated 31.12.2019 dated 24.01.2024 for the occurrence dated 31.12.2018 within the stipulated time fixed by this Hon'ble Court and pass orders.

For Petitioner : Mr. B. Veerasekharan For Respondents : Mrs.C. Meera Arumugam Additional Government Pleader 1/5

ORDER

By consent of learned counsel on either side, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself.

2. This petition is filed seeking to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the first and second respondents to complete the disciplinary proceedings initiated under charge memo No. 3959/V1/2019 dated 31.12.2019 dated 24.01.2024 for the occurrence dated 31.12.2018 within the stipulated time

3. The case of the petitioner is that while the petitioner was working as Assistant in the Joint-2 Sub Registrar Office at Cuddalore, it was alleged that he has received bribe amount from the Document writers for registering the documents, due to which a criminal case was registered for the offences under section 102 of Cr.P.C. Pursuant to which charge sheet was also filed before the learned Chief Judicial Magistrate cum Special Judge under Prevention of Corruption Act, Cuddalore and the said criminal cases ended on acquittal on 22.01.2024. Thereafter, to 2/5

the shock and surprise, the Inspector General of Registration issued charge memo against the petitioner on 24.01.2024 after acquitting from the criminal charges on 22.01.2024. The sum and substance of the case is that inspite of the enquiry officer was appointed to inquire the charges levelled against the petitioner, the same was not yet completed. Hence this petition.

4. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that it would be suffice if this Court issues a direction to the respondents to conclude the disciplinary proceedings initiated against the petitioner.

5. The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the second respondent submits that they will conclude the disciplinary proceedings initiated against the petitioner as early as possible.

6. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and the limited relief sought for by the petitioner, this Court, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, directs the respondents to conclude the disciplinary proceedings initiated against the petitioner 3/5

and pass orders within a period of sixteen weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The petitioner is directed to co-operate with the enquiry.

7. With the above observations this writ petition stands disposed of. No order as to costs.

12.12.2024 Index:Yes/No Speaking order/Non-speaking order smn To.

1. The Inspector General of Registration, Office of the Inspector General of Registration, 100, Santhome High Road, Mylapore, Chennai- 600 004.

2. Inquiry Officer, District Registrar ( Audit), Cuddalore - District.

4/5

V.BHAVANI SUBBAROYAN,J.

Smn W.P.No.37346 of 2024 12.12.2024 5/5