UNION OF INDIA vs P.C.RAMAKRISHNAYYA

The Supreme Court addressed the validity of a departmental inquiry conducted under Rule 14(2) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, by an Inquiry Officer who was a retired officer rather than a serving officer. The Court upheld the findings of the Central Administrative Tribunal, which had set aside the punishment order on the grounds that the Inquiry Officer lacked the authority to conduct the inquiry, thus rendering the inquiry invalid. The Court affirmed the Tribunal's directive for the disciplinary authority to reconsider the objections raised by the respondent and pass appropriate orders within two months.