JUDGMENT :

1. Heard Shri K.N. Choudhury, learned Senior Counsel for the petitioner assisted by

Shri S.K. Hazarika, learned counsel. Ms. S. Barua, learned counsel is present for the respondent no.1-The Union of India whereas Shri B. Chakravarty, learned counsel has represented the respondent no. 2-The Union Public Service Commission. The respondent nos. 3, 4, 5, 6 & 8 of the State are represented by Shri B. Gogoi, learned Standing Counsel, Finance (Taxation) Department and Ms. A. Talukdar, the learned State Counsel for respondent no. 7.

2. The petitioner has put to challenge the action of the Department in initiating a disciplinary proceeding against her by issuing a Show Cause Notice dated 03.04.2021. The primary ground of challenge is that such initiation is based on an anonymous complaint which is not permissible under the law. The petitioner has also alleged that the aforesaid anonymous complaint has been lodged not only to harass the petitioner but also to cause impediment in her career progress.

3. Before dealing with the issue which falls for determination, it would be convenient to place on record the basic facts of the case in brief.

4. The petitioner is presently working as a D