AI Structured Summary
Not yet generated for this judgment
Judgment
Mr. Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, Chairman :
The applicant is an IAS officer of Chattisgarh cadre. While he was in service, disciplinary proceedings were initiated and during the pendency of those proceedings, he retired from service. He filed this OA claiming certain reliefs, particularly retirement benefits. He has also filed MA No. 2494/2020 stating that the the Inquiry Officer (IO) submitted a report and in relation thereto, he submitted a representation. The grievance of the applicant is that on account of the pendency of the disciplinary proceedings, his retiral benefits are not being released.
We heard Shri U. Srivastava, learned counsel for the applicant and Shri Kumar Omkareshwar, learned counsel for the respondents.
The disciplinary proceedings were in the early stage when the OA was filed. As of now, the IO is said to have submitted a report and a copy thereof furnished to the applicant and he filed his representation. It is now to be dealt with by the UPSC. Having regard to the fact that the applicant retired long back and is denied of his retiral benefits, the matter needs to be given a quietus at the earliest.
We, therefore, dispose of the OA directing that the disciplinary proceedings initiated against the applicant shall be completed within a period of four months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. If the proceedings are not concluded by that time, the respondents shall release the retiral benefits of the applicant without prejudice to their, to make recovery, depending on the nature of the order, which the disciplinary authority may pass.
Pending MAs also stand disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.