JOSE MATHEW Vs. KERALA STATE INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard.

(2.) Appellant's prayer for keeping in abeyance the departmental proceedings during the pendency of criminal proceedings having been rejected by learned Single Judge, this appeal has been filed.

(3.) Factual position, as stated by the parties, is essentially as follows: - Appellant who was functioning as Executive Director (Finance) of the Kerala State Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the 'Company') was placed under suspension by the Chairman and Managing Director of the Company by order dated 22nd May 1997, Ext. P1 annexed to the Original Petition. Said action was necessitated as enquiries were to be done by the Vigilance Department as serious allegations were levelled against him. Said order of suspension was challenged by appellant alongwith others in O. P. No. 8328 of 1997. Same was dismissed by Judgment dated 29th July 1997. Subsequently, the Managing Director initiated Departmental enquiry by serving a memo of charges and appointing an enquiry officer.