NARENDRA PRASAD SINGH Vs. STATE OF JHARKHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner. The petitioner was suspended in contemplation of a departmental enquiry. Pursuant to the departmental enquiry the enquiry officer has submitted a report exonerating the petitioner. Relying upon this enquiry officers report the petitioner wants the suspension order to be quashed in this writ petition. I am not satisfied. The enquiry Officers report, even if exonerating the petitioner, is not the end of the matter. The disciplinary authority is the ultimate authority for examining the enquiry officer report. It is always open to the disciplinary authority to disagree with the report.

(2.) IN the circumstances, in a case involving such charges, it would not be appropriate to quash the suspension in contemplation of any enquiry, merely because the enquiry officer has given exoneration report.

(3.) THE report of the enquiry officer is dated 12.6.2009. Not much time has elapsed. In the circumstances, I dispose of this writ petition with the direction to the disciplinary authority to take a decision as expeditiously as possible, preferable within one month of the date on which certified copy of this order is presented before the disciplinary authority.