Interference with a charge-sheet can only be made on limited grounds, and the correctness of the charges cannot be examined at the stage of issuance of the charge-sheet.

JUDGMENT :

Sujoy Paul, J.

Heard on admission.

1. In this petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, the petitioner has prayed for following reliefs:

(a) An appropriate writ order or direction quashing P.rR report dated 21/11/2020.

(b) An appropriate writ order or direction quashing Second Enquiry Report dt. 02/12/2020.

(c) An appropriate writ order or direction quashing charge sheet dt. 03/01/2021 so far as it relates to petitioner.

(d) An appropriate writ order or direction commanding the respondent concern to put on hold the departmental enquiry till the final completion of the trial pending before the Special Judge (N.D.P.S.) Act.

(e) An appropriate writ order or direction directing the respondent concern to pass reasoned order on the reply filed by the petitioner.

(f) An appropriate writ order or direction directing the respondent concern to pass reasoned and speaking order on the reply dt. 08/01/2021 filed by petitioner.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner raised two fault submissions:-

Firstly, the Superintendent of Police initiated a suo moto preliminary enquiry without there being any complaint and thereafter put the petitioner to notice. The petitioner filed his reply to the showcase notice but without assigning any reason as to why said defence was not found trustworthy, issued the impugned charge-sheet dated 03/01/2021(Annexure-P/5) which is bad in law. Secondly as per the allegations in the charge-sheet, the petitioner visited certain places which were beyond his territorial jurisdiction and were with other Police officials. If he obeyed the senior officials who is also charge-sheeted, it cannot be said that petitioner has committed a misconduct. Hence, the disciplinary proceedings be set aside.

3. In support of the aforesaid contention, learned counsel for the petitioner placed reliance on AIR 1982 SC 937(State of U.P. Vs. Mohd. Sharif (dead) through LRs. and AIR 1986 SC 995(Sawai Singh Vs. State of Rajasthan). No other point is pressed by the learned counsel for the petitioner.

4. The prayer is opposed by the learned Panel Lawyer.

5. For the purpose of conducting a preliminary enquiry or fact finding enquiry, it is not necessary that such enquiry can be instituted only when there exists a complaint. This is the discretion of disciplinary authority to conduct a preliminary enquiry. The preliminary enquiry is being conducted for the subjective satisfaction of disciplinary authority. The said enquiry is being conducted to ascertain whether there exists any prima facie material to proceed against the delinquent employee. It is not mandatory or obligatory on the part of disciplinary authority to conduct preliminary enquiry in each and every case. The question of interfering with preliminary enquiry report does not arise.

6. The petitioner was put to notice and he submitted his reply. At the stage of issuance of charge-sheet, the disciplinary authority was under no obligation to assign reasons and detailed reasons why he intends to issue a charge-sheet. Thus, first contention of learned counsel for the petitioner deserves rejection.

7. The following allegations are made against the petitioner:-

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