(1) The seminal question involved in this writ petition is whether the 3rd respondent Collector, Koria is empowered under Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Classification Control & Appeal) Rules, 1966 (henceforth Rules, 1966) to place the petitioner under suspension and to institute departmental enquiry against him.

(2) The required facts, necessary for disposal of the writ petition in nutshell, are as under:-

(2.1) The petitioner is a Sub Engineer working in the office of Executive Engineer, Rural Engineering Services Division, Baikunthpur, District Korea.

(2.2) The State of Chhattisgarh by its order dated 16.12.2002 vide Annexure P/5 sent the petitioner on deputation to the Department of Panchayat and Rural Development, thereafter, the Department of Panchayat and Rural Development, by its order dated 24.12.2002 (Annexure P-6) posted him as Sub Engineer at Janpad Panchayat, Manendragarh, District Koria.

(2.3) Third respondent Collector, Koria, by its order dated 27.02.2003 vide (Annexure P-1) placed the petitioner under suspension and further instituted departmental enquiry against him in accordance with Rule 14 of the Rules, 1966 vide (Annexure P-2).

(2.4) The petitioner has ques