UNION OF INDIA vs H.R.BANGAR(IRS)

The Supreme Court held that the High Court and tribunal erred in closing the departmental enquiry against the respondent due to inordinate delay, emphasizing that serious charges of misappropriation and illegal gratification warranted continuation of proceedings. Citing Deputy Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Faizabad v. Sachindra Nath Pandey [1995 (3) SCC 134], the Court established that mere passage of time is insufficient to terminate such enquiries, especially when the delay is not solely attributable to the department. The Court directed the authorities to complete the enquiry within six months, setting aside the impugned orders of the lower courts.