According to rule 19(2)(a) of the Andhra Pradesh Civil services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, in every case where it is proposed to impose on a member of a service any of the penalties specified in items (iv), (vi), (vii) and (viii) in rule 8, the authority competent to impose the penalty shall appoint an enquiry officer or shall himself hold an enquiry either suo moto or on a direction from a higher authority. It has been observed that enquiry officers are taking considerable time to complete the enquiry, as a consequence of which in certain cases the proceedings of enquiry continue for two or three years. It was, therefore, suggested that a time limit be fixed for completion of enquiry by the Enquiry Officer and that, if he does not adhere to that time limit, disciplinary action should be initiated against the enquiry officer for his failure to complete the enquiry within the time allowed. The matter was discussed in the Secretaries meeting held on 2-8-1978.
It was felt that it is always open to the competent authorities to critically review the work of enquiry officers and to take suitable action where there is reason to believe that the enquiry is being prolonged unnecessarily. It was considered that each case may be examined on its merits and a view taken in the matter. It may happen that under the circumstances beyond the control of the Enquiry Officer, he may not be able to complete the enquiry within the stipulated time. It will not, therefore, be administratively convenient and desirable to fix a time limit in the conduct of enquiries. The aim and objective should, however, be that all enquiries are completed with expedition and speed and avoidable delay eliminated. Secretaries to Government, Heads of Departments, etc., are accordingly requested to critically review the work of enquiry officers and ensure that no avoidable delay occurs in the completion of enquiries by enquiry officers and that where there is reason to believe that the enquiry is being prolonged unnecessarily, suitable action may be taken in the matter.
OPEN - CCA Rules - References (open)
