B.RAJESHWAR GOUD Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned counsel for petitioner Sri M.Venkanna and learned Assistant Solicitor General for respondents.

(2.) Petitioner is a Postal Assistant in the Department of Posts, Government of India. While he was working in Nandipet, Sub-Post Office (for short S.O.), he was deputed to Makloor S.O to work as Sub-Post Master (for short, 'SPM '). Having received complaints of illegalities in the Makloor S.O., fact finding enquiry was conducted. Based on the findings in the said enquiry, disciplinary action was initiated against petitioner. He was placed under suspension on 29/6/2019. On 1/9/2019 complaint was also lodged in Makloor Police Station against petitioner alleging that there was shortage of cash of 7,70,535/- in S.O cash balance as on 29/6/2019. The complaint was registered as Crime No.139 of 2019. On 18/9/2019 his suspension was revoked.

(3.) He was served with charge memo dtd. 9/9/2019. The charge memo contains six articles of charges. Enquiry Officer was appointed to enquire into the charges. It appears, so far few sittings were held. Petitioner submitted representation to defer departmental proceedings, till the criminal proceedings are concluded. As his request to defer departmental proceedings was not acceded to by the Enquiry Officer and the Disciplinary Authority, petitioner filed O.A.No.891 of 2020 in the Central Administrative Tribunal, Hyderabad Bench, praying to direct respondents to hold up departmental proceedings.