P. Sam Koshy, J
1. Challenge in this petition is to the charge sheet dated 20.09.2016 and also the prayer for departmental enquiry to be concluded within a reasonable
period.
2. Perusal of records would show that vide order dated 25.08.2016 the petitioner was placed under suspension and thereafter charge sheet was issued
on 20.09.2016. The petitioner replied to the charge sheet on 30.09.2016 and thereafter there is no further development on the disciplinary proceedings
initiated against the petitioner.
3. The petitioner all along has been placed under suspension. The circular of the State Govt. as well as the rules governing the field requires the
employer to ensure that the enquiry is concluded within a period of one year, if not, they would consider revocation of the suspension of the employee
as the Departmental Enquiry is not being prolonged for any fault on the part of the employer.
4. The Supreme Court also in recent judgment in case of Ajay Kumar Choudhary Vs. Union of India through its Secretary, 2015(7)SCC 291 ,has
specifically directed all the authorities where there is prolong delay of suspension undergoing and departmental enquiry not being concluded for no
fault of the employees to consider revocation of the suspension.
5. Given the aforesaid facts, let the respondents in this case also consider the aspect whether there is any further necessity for keeping the petitioner
under suspension. So far as departmental enquiry is concerned, since there is no development whatsoever for a period of two years from the date the
petitioner had submitted his reply to the charge sheet, the present petition stands disposed of with a direction that the respondents shall make all
endeavors for concluding departmental enquiry within an outer limit of six months from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order, or else,
appropriate order should be passed for dropping the entire departmental enquiry against the petitioner.
6. The writ petition accordingly stands disposed of.
