Only Chief Secretary/ Administrative Reforms Dept Can Direct Joint Inquiry Against Delinquents From Different Departments: Rajasthan HC

The Rajasthan High Court has ruled on the disciplinary proceedings involving employees from different departments and a common chargesheet. The case addressed the issue of whether a disciplinary proceeding can be initiated against an employee based on a common chargesheet for different departments. The Court highlighted the importance of fairness and transparency in disciplinary matters, emphasizing that an employee must not be subjected to a joint inquiry unless the charges are clearly connected. It also underscored that each department’s disciplinary authority must independently evaluate the charges against the concerned employee. The Court thus concluded that joint proceedings in such cases must be avoided unless there is a clear and compelling reason, ensuring that due process is followed for each department involved.