IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA
P. B. BAJANTHRI, J.
(23.3.2022)
CWJC No. 19633 of 2014
Munna Kewat : Petitioner
Vs.
State of Bihar & Ors. : Respondents
Bihar Government Servants (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 2005 – Rule 17(5)(c) – Dismissal from service – Presenting Officer was not appointed in terms of Rule 17(5)(c) – Proceedings from stage of enquiry till imposition of penalty set aside – Disciplinary authority directed to continue disciplinary proceedings from stage of appointing Presenting Officer – Intervening period, from date of dismissal till further order is passed by disciplinary authority, is required to be taken note of in terms of Apex Court decision in case of ECIL vs. B. Karunakaran, (1993) 4 SCC 727 and Chairman-cum-Managing Coal India Ltd. vs. Ananta Saha and Ors., (2011) 5 SCC 142 – Disciplinary authority directed to pass order for reinstatement or to place petitioner under suspension till final order is passed in inquiry proceedings, within a period of two months. (Paras 3 to 7)
P. B. BAJANTHRI, J.:–Heard learned counsel for the parties.
2. In the instant petition, petitioner has prayed for the following relief/reliefs:—
“That, a writ of ‘certiorari’ be issued:—
(i) For quashing the order dated 30.06.2014 passed by the Respondent No. 4 whereby the petitioner was dismissed from service with immediate effect on the ground of his immoral character based on the allegation of rape of a mad woman and scuffle with the persons present at the relevant time in retaliation of being apprehended causing law and order problem as also lowering the image of police in connection with Pothia Police Station Case No. 24 of 2009 under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code.
(ii) For quashing the order dated 09.02.2012 passed by the Respondent No. 3 whereby the appeal preferred by the petitioner against his dismissal from service was rejected holding the allegation proved in the departmental proceeding.
(iii) For quashing the order dated 13.02.2014 passed by the Respondent No. 3 whereby the memorial of appeal filed by the petitioner against the appellate order was also rejected concurring with the findings of the departmental proceeding. Further, a writ of ‘mandamus’ by issued :-
(iv) For direction to the Respondent no. 4 to reinstate they petitioner on the post of Constable in Police Line, Kishanganj with effect from the date of dismissal i.e., 30.06.2011 with all consequential benefits.
(v) For petitioner further prays for issuance of any other appropriate writ/ writs, order/ orders direction/ directions and relief/ reliefs which he is entitled to in the facts and circumstances of the case.”
On 20.12.2021, following order was passed:—
“Superintendent of Police, Kishanganj is hereby directed to file an affidavit as to whether is there any compliance of Rule 17(5)(c) relating to appointment of Presenting Officer and Subrule 14 of Rule 17 of Bihar Government Servants (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 2005 relating to leading evidence by the Presenting Officer and further whether copy of the Enquiring Officer’s report has been furnished to the petitioner or not? Further is there any examination of Enquiring Officer’s report read with the petitioner’s explanation in the disciplinary authority’s decision or order, if any. Such affidavit be filed before the next date of hearing.
List this matter on 06.01.2022.”
3. The concerned authority-respondent has admitted that the Presenting Officer was not appointed in terms of Rule 17(5)(c) of the Bihar Government Servants (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 2005 (CCA Rules, 2005).
4. In view of the aforesaid submission, proceedings from the stage of enquiry till imposition of penalty stands set aside and petition allowed in part.
5. The disciplinary authority is hereby directed to continue the disciplinary proceedings from the stage of appointing the Presenting Officer. The disciplinary authority/enquiring authority are hereby directed to complete the enquiry proceedings in terms of Rules, 2005 within a period of six months from the date of receipt of this order.
6. The intervening period, from the date of dismissal till further order is passed by the disciplinary authority, is required to be taken note of in terms of the Apex Court decision in the case of ECIL Vs. B. Karunakaran reported in (1993) 4 SCC 727 and Chairman-cum-Managing Coal India Ltd. Vs. Ananta Saha and Ors. reported in (2011) 5 SCC 142. Paragraph nos. 46 to 50 reads as under:—
“46. In the last, the delinquent has submitted that this Court must issue directions for his reinstatement and payment of arrears of salary till date. Shri Bandopadhyay, learned Senior Counsel appearing for the appellants, has vehemently opposed the relief sought by the delinquent contending that the delinquent has to be deprived of the back wages on the principle of “no work-no pay”. The delinquent had been practising privately, i.e. has been gainfully employed, thus, not entitled for back wages. Even if this Court comes to the conclusion that the
The disciplinary and appellate authorities must consider the petitioner's contentions in the proceedings and address them in their orders to ensure reasoned decisions and application of mind.
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