JUDGMENT

S. MOHAN, J.:

1. Leave granted

2. The facts leading to present appeal are as under

The respondent joined the Co-operative Department as Deputy Registrar in the year 1969. He was promoted as Joint Registrar in 1981. He became the Joint Registrar/Special Officer of the Park Town Co-operative Whole-Sale Stores Ltd. in 1984.

3. During his tenure as the Joint Registrar/Special Officer of Park Town Co-operative Whole Sale Stores Ltd., complaints were received by the Director, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department. The said Department approached the Registrar, Co-operative Societies to furnish the details to investigate into the alleged irregularities. Thereupon, the Registrar furnished the relevant material The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department was requested to complete the enquiry on or before 31.12.1987. However, no progress was made in that direction.

4. The Government of Tamil Nadu by its G.O. Ms. No.185 Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department dated 17.3.1988 amended Rule 12 of the Tamil Nadu Civil Service (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules. Under the said G.O., the powers imposing minor penalty came to be conferred on the Heads of the Departments.

5 Final