O R D E R

This writ petition has been filed challenging the impugned order dated 03.12.2022, passed by the first respondent, under which the punishment imposed on the petitioner has been enhanced suo moto by imposing the punishment of postponement of next increment for a period of one year, which shall not operate to postpone for future increments from the punishment of censure awarded by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, North, Madurai City, on 06.06.2022.

2. The petitioner is aggrieved by the impugned order, on the ground that by total non-application of mind to Rule 15A of the Tamil Nadu Police Subordinate Service (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1955, which, according to the petitioner, provides for holding of an enquiry before enhancing the punishment, has not been followed while passing the impugned order dated 03.12.2022. The petitioner was earlier imposed with the punishment of censure by the second respondent on 06.06.2022. The same has been enhanced suo moto pursuant to the impugned order passed by the first respondent dated 03.12.2022 i.e., the punishment of ensure has been enhanced to the punishment of postponement of next increment for a period of one year, which shall no