S S SIDHOO Vs. UOI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE two writ petitions are taken together for the reason they have been filed by the same petitioner i.e. S.S.Sidhoo and the adjudication of one has an impact on the adjudication of the other. In WP(C) No. 19781/04 the petitioner has prayed to set aside the penalty order dated 22.7.2003 and in WP(C) No. 8970/06 he has prayed for fixing his seniority by placing him in the select panel as of 26.04.2004.

(2.) THE petitioner, S.S.Sidhoo joined CRPF as an Assistant Commandant on 14.08.1988 and earned a promotion to the post of Deputy Commandant in the year 1992. He was posted to Group Centre (GC) CRPF, Durgapur as a Deputy Commandant (Stores) in September 1994 and was entrusted with housekeeping duties such as preparation of budget, procurement and supply of stores, clothings etc. for the Battalions affiliated to the Group Centre.

(3.) THE petitioner was given 15 days time to submit a written defence statement in reply to the charges, which reply he submitted on 30.8.1999. He pleaded Not Guilty to the articles of charge levied against him. Finding the reply unsatisfactory, the disciplinary authority decided to hold an inquiry and appointed Dr.D.N.Gautam, IGP CRPF as the Inquiry officer.