R PERIYASAMY Vs. GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU REP BY SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION & WATER SUPPLY DEPARTMENT SECRETARIAT CHENNAI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The charge memo dated 26.12.2013, issued by the second respondent is under challenge in this Writ Petition.

(2.) The petitioner was appointed as Bill Collector on 11.06.1984 and promoted as Junior Assistant on 31.12.1992. Subsequently, the petitioner was appointed as Panchayat Executive Officer on 08.11.2006. On account of certain allegations with regard to the financial irregularities, initially a charge memo was issued against the writ petitioner on 17.05.2013, in relation to the financial loss to the Town Panchayat to the tune of about Rs.49,95,825/-. The above said charge memo dated 17.05.2013, includes other charges based on the Audit objections, citing huge amount of financial loss.

(3.) The writ petitioner was placed under suspension on 28.05.2013, and by way of separate proceedings on the same date, he was not allowed to retire from service and the petitioner's service was retained as per the provisions contained under Rule 56(1)(c) of the Fundamental Rules. In respect of the earlier charge memo dated 17.05.2013, the writ petitioner filed W.P.No.19479 of 2013 and this Court passed orders on 17.07.2013, directing the respondents 1 & 2 therein to complete the disciplinary proceedings pending against the writ petitioner dated 17.05.2013, within a period of six months from the date of receipt of a copy of that order. Challenging the charge memo dated 17.05.2013, the petitioner has also filed W.P.No.7353 of 2013.