An instance has been brought to the notice of the Government wherein completion of an enquiry into certain allegations against an officer, for facilitating institution of proceedings, was badly delayed, and it was not possible to take any action against the accused officeron certain charges since the officer retired on superannuation and the charges pertain to a period more than four years before the date of superannuation. In this connection attention is invited to the provisions contained under Articles 351-A of Civil Services Regulations/239 of Hyderabad Civil Services Rules and the instructions issued thereunder by the Finance and Planning (Finance Wing F.R.II) Department in their circular Memo.No.76412-C/1331/F.R 11/79-3, dated 1.3.79 wherein the Rule position has been explained in such cases. If Departmental proceedings or judicial proceedings are not instituted in such cases before retirement of the accused officer, it cannot be instituted in respect of any cause of action which arose or any event which took place more than four years before such institution. It is therefore quite essential to ensure that action is taken in all such cases for completion of necessary enquiries with utmost expedition, and seek the advice of the Vigilance Commission well ahead of superannuation of the accused officers, wherever necessary. Any lapse in this regard on the part of any officer should be viewed seriously.
2. All Secretaries to Government are requested to ensure that the above instructions are scrupulously followed, and also advise suitably all Heads of Departments and Heads of Public Sector Undertakings etc. under their administrative control in the above matter.
