R C S PANWAR Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Present writ petition has been filed challenging the order dtd. 9/6/2021 vide which penalty of "reduction to one stage lower in the time scale of pay for a period of one year without cumulative effect and not adversely affecting his pension" was imposed upon the petitioner. Petitioner also seeks a direction to the Respondents to grant 'Senior Time Scale' along with interest @ 8% from the date the Petitioner becomes eligible.

(2.) Learned counsel for the Petitioner states that vide chargesheet dtd. 18/8/2019, the Respondents initiated minor penalty proceedings against the Petitioner inter alia on the charge that the Petitioner while functioning as Assistant Commandant (Min) in the office of DIG (Ops) CRPF Dantewada (Chhattisgarh) committed a serious act of misconduct by circulating an audio clip of personal audience of DG, CRPF in social media through Whatsapp and the said audio clip had become viral on social media.

(3.) He states that subsequently, the Petitioner filed his reply clarifying that he had shared the audio clips with a bonafide intention of helping his colleagues/force personnel by raising issues of general welfare and public interest.