Ref:GO. Rt. No.2290, GA. (Spl.A) Dept., Dated 5-6-86.
While reviewing the disposal of Enquiries by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, it has been noticed that in several cases, the Bureau has been recommending departmental action against the accused officers. It is also seen that in some major departments, a number of departmental enquiries are being instituted. A review of pending departmental enquiries has shown that the progress of disposal of such enquiries has not been satisfactory. The main reasons for such pendency are due to the change of enquiry officers due to transfer etc., and also due to preoccupation with their normal work routine of the department. The Government, therefore, considered if necessary to appoint a full time Commissioner for departmental enquiries so that he can attend to all major enquiries promptly. It was also considered that depending on the work load, Commissioners could be appointed at regional level as and when necessary.
2. According to Rule 19(2)(a) of A.P.C.S. (CC&A) Rules, 1963, 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 Inquiry Officer, who shall be superior in rank to the person on whom it is proposed to impose the penalty or shall itself hold an enquiry either Suo motu or on a direction from a higher authority.
3. As a full time Commissioner for Departmental Enquiries has been since appointed, the Competent Authorities may, hereafter, refer disciplinary cases to the Commissioner for Departmental Enquiries by appointing him as an Inquiry Officer in terms of Rule 19(2)(a) of APCS (CC&A) Rules, 1963. If there are any cases wherein enquiry officers have been appointed already and if such enquiry has not commenced, there may be no objection to entrusting such cases also.
