Ravi Sarangal vs Union Of India And Others

Jagmohan Bansal, J

The petitioner through instant petition under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India is seeking direction to respondent to take appropriate criminal or departmental action against erring officials for causing mental harassment to him.

The petitioner is a retired Principal Chief Commissioner. He was issued memorandum of chargesheet on 17.12.2018. He filed written statement of defence. He approached Central Administrative Tribunal against departmental proceedings. The Tribunal vide interim order dated 10.07.2019 directed the respondent that chargesheet will not come in the way of petitioner’s promotion. The Tribunal vide order dated 10.01.2020 directed disciplinary authority to complete departmental proceedings within three months. The Inquiry Officer vide report dated 09.12.2020 exonerated him from all the charges. Departmental Promotion Committee met on 23.06.2021 and petitioner’s promotion was kept in sealed cover. The Tribunal vide order dated 11.11.2021 ordered to open sealed cover and consider petitioner’s promotion as per DPC held on 23.06.2021. The DPC for promotion to the post of Chief Commissioner of Income Tax was held on 04.01.2022. ACC approved petitioner’s promotion as Chief Commissioner. ACC further approved his promotion as Principal Chief Commissioner on 29.02.2024. He retired as Principal Chief Commissioner on 29.02.2024.

The petitioner who is present in person submits that there was no lapse on his part still was implicated in departmental proceedings. It caused irreparable mental loss to him. He has right to live with full dignity. He was not promoted as per his seniority. It severely prejudiced his career. This Court should direct respondent to register criminal case or initiate departmental proceedings against erring officer.

The petitioner with respect to departmental proceedings approached Central Administrative Tribunal which from time to time passed interim orders in his favour. The Inquiry Officer submitted his report on 09.12.2020. He was fully exonerated and thereafter promoted to the post of Chief Commissioner as well as Principal Chief Commissioner. He is claiming that departmental proceedings mentally harassed him. He was not at fault still was implicated at the behest of private respondents.

The claim of petitioner deserves to be rejected on more than one grounds. The petitioner approached Central Administrative Tribunal which passed multiple orders. He did not ask for any relief as sought herein before Tribunal. He was exonerated in 2020 and got further promotions whereas has filed instant petition in 2026 that too after two years from his retirement. The questions raised by him are purely disputed questions of fact.

In the wake of above discussion and findings, this Court is of the considered opinion that petition deserves to be dismissed and accordingly dismissed.

Pending Misc. application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed of.