JUDGMENT :

P.Krishna Kumar, J.

For the sake of convenience, the parties will be referred to as they are arrayed in O.P(KAT)No.306/2023.

2. While the respondent was working as a Junior Superintendent in the office of the District Police Chief, Kozhikode, a criminal case was registered against him alleging offences punishable under Sections 341, 324,447 r/w 34 of the Indian Penal Code. The allegation was that, he trespassed into the house of one Vasantha along with three others and attacked her and her children. A disciplinary proceeding was initiated against the respondent on the basis of the said incident. The defence of the respondent was that it was the consequence of a family dispute between his mother and his sister. As per Annexure A6, the enquiry officer found that it was not possible to establish the charge except through a scientific investigation ascertaining the involvement of the respondent.

3. Later, the respondent was served with another memo of charges for the very same allegations. Subsequently, the State Police Chief issued Annexure A11 order cancelling the earlier inquiry and appointing another enquiry officer (the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kozhikode). The respo