#Rule 16 and Rule 17 RCS Rules

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.