#disciplinary authority

By finding the Director General lacked authority under the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, the Delhi High Court struck down the charge-sheet against the senior ICMR deputy director-general and nullified the whole inquiry. The ruling clarifies that only the authority expressly designated by the CCS (CCA) Rules can initiate disciplinary proceedings, impacting all government servants subject to similar rules.

The Chhattisgarh High Court held that the Inspector General of Police lacks the competence to initiate common departmental proceedings against an Inspector, as only the Director General of Police - the sole authority empowered to dismiss such officers - may sanction such action under Rule 18. This clarifies hierarchical limits in police disciplinary processes and protects subordinate officers from unauthorized proceedings by lower-ranking officials.

Delhi High Court rules that disciplinary actions taken by an unauthorized body cannot be retrospectively validated, even via ratification by a higher authority. The judgment underscores that statutory service rules mandate prior delegation of disciplinary powers, impacting all public sector employees facing termination proceedings.