AP high court slams delay, directs CS to file quarterly reports on disciplinary cases

Vijayawada: Expressing serious concern over the staggering pendency of disciplinary proceedings cases across various govt departments, the Andhra Pradesh High Court, in a recent judgement, issued a continuous mandamus directing the Chief Secretary to file status reports every 4 months, in the form of an affidavit. Justice N Vijay observed that the pendency in disciplinary proceedings increased the caseload on the High Court and directed the Chief Secretary to dispose of the cases within the timelines prescribed in the rules.One G Ravi Kumar, working as a special grade civil surgeon in Vijayawada ESI Hospital, moved the High Court for expeditious disposal of disciplinary proceedings against him. He told the High Court that the rules prescribe that ordinary cases should be disposed of within 3 months and cases with serious allegations should be disposed of within 6 months. However, these rules are not being implemented in true letter and spirit, he said.Taking note of the petitioner's anguish, Justice Vijay directed the chief secretary to submit department-wise details of pending disciplinary proceedings and to state the reasons for the delay.The chief secretary filed the affidavit stating that as many as 5,424 cases are pending with various departments, with the home department topping the chart with 158 cases, followed by revenue with 854 cases. The chief secretary stated that transfers, retirements, new appointments, and insufficient data were reasons for delays.The High Court expressed dismay over the huge pendency in disciplinary proceedings. Justice Vijay observed that because of this inordinate delay, several petitions are being filed before the High Court for quashing of proceedings, staying of charge memos, and considering promotions and retirement benefits. This not only burdens the High Court with cases but also causes mental agony to the petitioners.Justice Vijay further noted that speedy disposal of disciplinary proceedings is equally important for the departments to punish erring officials and to reward honest ones. In view of the larger public interest, the High Court said that it will monitor the progress in disposal of disciplinary proceedings cases by issuing a continuous mandamus and directed the Chief Secretary to file status reports every four months.