Anjil Kumar vs State Of Bihar And Others

Madhuresh Prasad, J

This matter was mentioned for listing on urgent basis, which was allowed by Hon'ble the Chief Justice.

Accordingly, the same has been listed today for consideration through video conferencing in view of the nationwide lockdown on account of COVID-19 pandemic.

The learned counsels are appearing and making submissions from their residence. The Court Master and Secretary are also part of this virtual Court proceedings from their homes, all with the aid of audio visual technology.

Heard Mr. Siya Ram Shahi, learned Counsel for the petitioner as well as learned Government Pleader representing the State Government.

The petitioner has been placed under suspension under Memo dated 24.09.2019. The same is issued by the Director, Animal Husbandry in exercise of the powers under Rule 9(i) of the Bihar Government Servant (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 2005. The suspension order is assailed by the petitioner in the instant proceedings.

The admitted position emerging from the counter affidavit filed is that the petitioner has been served with a charge memo on 15.01.2020.

Mr. Siya Ram Shahi, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner has already appeared in the proceedings before the enquiry officer. It is his prayer that without unnecessarily delaying the issues, the departmental proceedings be concluded within a specified time. Learned counsel further submits that the petitioner has sought certain documents from the respondent-authorities for facilitating submission of his effective reply before the enquiry officer. The proceedings, as per the submission of the petitioner's Counsel, is therefore at the initial stage.

Instead of fixing a time limit, this Court would consider it appropriate that the proceedings be concluded by the authorities expeditiously and without any undue delay.

With this observation, the writ petition is disposed of.