RAM LAL Vs. STATE OF H.P

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioner is member of Himachal Pradesh State Police Force. Disciplinary proceeding was initiated against him in the year 2018. In the charge-sheet, three charges were levelled against him. Petitioner stands exonerated from two charges. Regarding the third charge, a fresh inquiry was ordered against him on 19/2/2021. The inquiry report dtd. 15/4/2022 exonerated the petitioner from the third charge as well, but indicted him of misconduct and dereliction of duty. Based upon this inquiry report, the respondents have issued a show-cause notice to the petitioner on 12/5/2022 (impugned herein) proposing to impose punishment of permanent forfeiture of four years of his regular service, hence the writ petition.

(2.) The sequence of events

(3.) Heard learned counsel for the parties. For convenience, the submissions made by learned counsel on both sides and discussion thereupon are assimilated hereinafter.