Judgment

B. K. MUKHERJEA, J.:

This is a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, praying for a writ, in the nature of certiorari, for calling up the records of certain criminal proceedings started against the petitioner by the Special Judge, Sessions Court, Delhi and for quashing the same on the ground that these proceedings are without jurisdiction, having been commenced in violation, of the fundamental right of the petitioner guaranteed under Article 20(2) of the Constitution.

2. The petitioner was a member of the Indian Civil Service and till lately was employed as Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce and Industries in the Government of India. Certain imputations of misbehaviour by the petitioner, while holding officers of various descriptions under the Government of India, came to the notice of the Central Government and the latter being satisfied that there were prima facie good grounds for making an enquiry directed a formal and public enquiry to be made as to the truth of falsity of the allegations made against the petitioner, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Servants (Inquiries) Act of 1850.

The substance of the imputations was drawn up in the form of s