SATYAPAL Vs. STATE OF BIHAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) IN this writ petition, the petitioner has prayed for quashing the charge -sheet vide letter No. 742/97 and the entire departmental proceeding vide No. 27/97 and the order of dismissal vide No. 37/C dated 31.1.1998 (Annexure8), the order of the appellate authority vide letter No. 803/GS dated 20.7.1998 (Annexure -9/1) and also the order dated 21.4.1999 (Annexure -11) passed by the Director General of Police rejecting the memorial.

(2.) MR . P.K. Prasad, learned Counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the entire departmental proceeding has been conducted in violation of the principles of natural justice.

(3.) MR . P.K. Prasad submitted that the enquiry was held at Dhanbad and the witnesses examined there were cross -examined but the enquiry officer went to Garhwa on 30.10.1997 and examined Sub -Inspector Prabhat Kumar Srivastava and A.S.I. Ram Pravesh Paswan behind the back of the petitioner. The petitioner was not given opportunity to crossexamine them. He further submitted that all the witnesses are hearsay witnesses except A.S.I. Ram Pravesh Paswan and, therefore, it was necessary to cross -examine him in defence. He further submitted that even opportunity to lead defence evidence was not given. He further submitted that there was no charge of any vested interest but the order of punishment has been passed on the said charge also. He lastly submitted that Safruddin Ansari was also dismissed but on his memorial, the punishment was modified to the extent of reinstating him on the initial pay scale.