State Of Orissa And Ors vs Baidharsahu

The Supreme Court held that the Collector of a District has the authority to suspend a Stipendiary Engineer appointed by the State Government under Rule 12 of the Orissa Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962, which allows for such delegation by the Governor. The Court found that the Orissa Administrative Tribunal's view, which stated that the power of suspension could not be delegated to the Collector because he could only impose minor punishments, was legally incorrect. The Court set aside the Tribunal's order and allowed the appeal, affirming the Collector's power to suspend government servants in connection with community development affairs.