ORAL JUDGMENT

Date : 04-12-2025 Heard learned counsel for the parties.

2. The petitioner has filed the instant application praying for setting aside the order contained in Memo no. 1996 dated 26.5.2023 issued under the signature of the Deputy Secretary, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department, Government of Bihar imposing the punishment of deduction of 100% pension on the petitioner.

3. The relevant facts in brief are that while the petitioner was posted as the District Welfare Officer In-charge of District Arwal, he was proceeded against in a departmental proceeding with the memo of charge having been served on him on 28.4.2021. He submitted his reply.

4. In the meantime, the petitioner having retired from service on 31.12.2021, by order dated 28.3.2022 the proceedings were converted into one under Rule 43(b) of the Bihar Pension Rules . After conclusion of the inquiry, the Inquiry Officer submitted the inquiry report on 21.2.2023 finding all the charges to have been proved against the petitioner.

5. The petitioner was served with a copy of the inquiry report to which he submitted his reply. The respondent authority thereafter came out with the order of punishment