In Brief
R. Shankarappa, a retired Sub-Divisional Engineer of the Department of Telecommunications, challenged disciplinary charge-sheets issued by the Principal General Manager proposing major penalties. He argued the charge-sheets were void because the issuing authority could impose only minor penalties. The High Court agreed, citing an earlier Supreme Court precedent. However, the Supreme Court reversed this, holding that under Rule 13(2) of the CCS CCA Rules, 1965, an authority competent to impose minor penalties can lawfully initiate disciplinary proceedings proposing major penalties. The Court distinguished the earlier precedent and upheld the validity of the charge-sheets and the CAT's dismissal of the respondent's challenge.
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