DINESH MEHTA
Bhupesh Patidar – Appellant
Versus
State of Rajasthan – Respondent
ORDER
1. One of the grounds raised by the learned counsel for the petitioner is, that since Chief Executive Officer is not the appointing authority, he does not have the power to place the petitioner under suspension. In support of this argument, learned counsel for the petitioner invited Court's attention towards Section 89(6) of the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 (hereinafter referred to as the 'Act of 1994') and pointed out that appointing authority of the petitioner is Zila Parishad.
2. He highlighted that even according to Section 91 of the Act of 1994 the Chief Executive Officer can impose only two out of three minor penalties and, therefore, if an employee of Panchayati Raj Institution is to be placed under suspension, it can be done by the Zila Parishad or by the District Establishment Committee and not by the Chief Executive Officer.
3. In response to petitioner's contention, learned counsel for the respondents invited Court's attention towards Rule 336 (22) of the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996 (hereinafter referred to as the 'Rules of 1996') which provides for powers of Chief Executive Officer and Rule 298 of the Rules of 1996 which deals with authorities empowere
The Chief Executive Officer of a Panchayati Raj Institution cannot suspend an employee unless specifically authorized by the State Government, as the appointing authority is the Zila Parishad.
The power to suspend a civil servant remains with the appointing authority, and automatic suspension does not revoke upon release unless formally rescinded.
Suspension orders must reflect independent decision-making by statutory authorities and cannot be arbitrary or merely routine; otherwise, they may violate constitutional rights.
The Collector lacks authority to suspend a Panchayat Executive Officer, highlighting the independence of Gram Panchayats and mandating adherence to principles of natural justice in disciplinary actio....
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