RAJEEV KUMAR JASWAL Vs. STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner has prayed for the grant of following substantive reliefs:

(2.) Undisputed facts, which are relevant for adjudication of the petition are that the petitioner was posted as Assistant Excise and Taxation Officer (State Taxes and Excise Officer) in Dehra Circle of District Kangra in the year 2021-22. A memorandum dtd. 26/3/2022 was served upon the petitioner by respondent No.2, proposing to hold an inquiry against him under Rule 14 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1964 (for short, "CCS (CCA) Rules). The Article of Charge framed against petitioner was that he had failed to conduct the inspection of a liquor vend, "Jambal" as per the norms fixed for the same during the month of September, 2021. The Inquiry Officer and Presenting Officers were appointed by respondent No.2 on 21/4/2022 vide separate office orders.

(3.) The petitioner filed the instant petition before this Court on 29/9/2023 on the premise that despite the continuance of inquiry against petitioner for more than 18 months, the same had not culminated.