N K SETHI Vs. INDIA TRADE PROMOTION ORGANIZATION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioner by this writ petition seeks revocation of his suspension and reinstatement by the respondent. Petitioner had been placed under suspension on 27.10.2003 in contemplation of the disciplinary proceedings to be initiated in a case being investigated by the Vigilance Department of the respondent. The Chairman- cum-Managing Director of respondent in exercise of the powers conferred under rule 22(1) of the ITPO (Employees) CDA Rules had passed the impugned order of suspension.

(2.) Petitioner's case in brief is that his continued suspension is contrary to the rules and in violation of Notification dated 23.12.2003 issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) and the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules,1965. Petitioner contends that respondents having failed to carry out the reviews within the stipulated period of 90 days, the order of suspension could not be extended and is liable to be revoked in terms of the above Notification and rules.

(3.) Facts leading to the filing of the present writ petition may be briefly noted. Petitioner had joined the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) as Deputy Manager in April,1983. He claims to have had an excellent service record and growth. He rose to the position of General Manager. He had been posted as the Resident Director of ITPO at Moscow office and was the recipient of prestigious "Peter the Great International Prize of Golden Steering Wheel" for his outstanding contribution in developing the economic co-operation between Russia and India.