PRAMOD KUMAR AGRAWAL Vs. STATE OF M P

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner in the present writ petition seeks quashment of charge sheet dated 9.7.1996.

(2.) The facts briefly are that in the year 1995 the State Government detected a defalcation of Government Fund in the Narmada Valley Development Authority (referred to as NVDA) to the tune of Rs.1770 lacs and the petitioner who. was Assistant Director of Agriculture posted on deputation to NVDA between January 1990 to October 1998, was found involved along with 11 other persons. The matter was dealt with by the economic offences wing of the State Government. The petitioner was however, dealt with in a departmental enquiry and a charge sheet under Rule 14 M.P. Civil Services (Classification,, Control and Appeals) Rules , 1966 was issued on 9.7.1996. Nine charges were levelled against the petitioner of which charge No. 1,8 and 9 related to said defalcation of the Government Fund and remaining charges related to the dereliction of duties displayed by the petitioner during said period which was prima facie treated as a conduct unbecoming of Government servant.

(3.) After receiving the charge sheet the petitioner vide his application dated 17.7.1996 demanded the documents. While demanding the documents, the petitioner vide said representation requested for stay of further proceedings till documents were supplied. Subsequently, thereof the petitioner vide his letter dated 28.10.1999 raised the protest regarding appointment of an enquiry officer which was by order dated 6.7.1999 and requested for staying further proceedings till entire documents were supplied. However, before appointing the enquiry officer on 6.7.1999, the petitioner, vide letter No. 1770/24/95/1 dated 31.3.1999 issued by the Madhya Pradesh Narmada Valley Development, was informed that 10 vouchers were made available for inspection and the petitioner was directed to file reply within ten days.