#Inordinate Delay

MP High Court quashes a 13-year-old departmental charge sheet, holding that inordinate delay, superannuation of inquiry officers, and lack of procedural progress violate principles of natural justice. The ruling reinforces that pending disciplinary actions cannot linger indefinitely, especially post-retirement, and sets a precedent for administrative accountability in service law.

CESTAT Mumbai rules that recovery proceedings under Section 28 of the Customs Act must strictly comply with the mandatory show cause notice requirement. A 23-year delay in adjudication violates principles of natural justice, rendering the demand for refund recovery null and void. This sets a critical precedent for procedural fairness in customs disputes.

The Rajasthan High Court struck down disciplinary proceedings initiated 13 years after alleged misconduct, ruling that upgrading minor administrative lapses to grave charges under Rule 16 mere months before retirement constitutes abuse of power and denies natural justice. This sets a critical precedent for public servants facing retaliatory proceedings at the twilight of their service, reinforcing that procedural fairness cannot be sacrificed for post-retirement punitive intent.

CAT Principal Bench holds that an 11-year delay in initiating disciplinary proceedings against an ICAS officer is justified by an ongoing CBI investigation, dismissing the petition to quash the charge memo. The ruling reinforces that investigative complexities can excuse procedural delays, impacting government employees facing disciplinary actions.

Madras High Court quashes detention order under TN Goonda Act due to 3.5-month delay between arrest and detention, reaffirming the necessity of a live and proximate link.

Telangana High Court directs timely disposal of regularization applications for unregistered sale deeds, affirming that inordinate delay violates property rights under Article 300A.