SECY. TO GOVT. vs K. MUNNIAPPAN

The Supreme Court held that Rule 17(e)(1) of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (CCA) Rules permits suspension of an employee pending an enquiry into grave charges, and that actual pendency of charges is not a prerequisite for such suspension. The Court found that the Tamil Nadu Administration Tribunal erred in ruling that the government lacked the power to suspend the respondent, who was implicated in a significant embezzlement case. Consequently, the Court set aside the Tribunal's order, affirming the legality of the suspension pending investigation.