WP(C) 2988/2007 BEFORE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE B.K. SHARMA Heard Mr. H. Das, learned counsel for the petitioner as well as Mr. N. C harania, learned counsel for the respondents No. 2 and 3. I have also heard Ms. R. Chokraborty, learned Addl. Sr. G.A. appearing for the respondent No. 1. The petitioner is aggrieved by the order dated 23.10.03 (Annexure-5) by which he was placed under suspension. By now almost 5 years has passed since th e petitioner was placed under suspension. Needless to say the prolonged suspensi on does not help anyone. Needless also to say that suspension should not be a ro utine affair. Earlier the petitioner approached this Court by filing W.P.(C) No. 1177/ 06 making a grievance against the order of suspension. The writ petition was dis posed of by order dated 28.04.06 directing conclusion of the departmental enqui ry within four months from the date of the order. The direction was also issued to provide the petitioner all opportunities of being heard including the supply of documents to be relied upon in the enquiry. Liberty was granted to the petiti oner to challenge the order of suspension in the event of non-completion of the enquiry within the stipulated period. The stipulated period fixed in the order upto 28.04.2006 has already exp ired, but the respondents have not done anything in the matter. It is on record that the petitioner was directed to appear before the enquiry officer on 11.08.0 6 which he accordingly did. However, no order has been passed thereafter by the disciplinary authority. It is in these circumstances, the petitioner has approac hed this Court once again. Mr. Sarania, learned counsel for the respondents No. 2 and 3, submits th at the proceeding has come to an end and the decision is awaited. According to h im final order in the matter is going to be passed within a coupled of weeks. Considering the above, the writ petition is disposed of providing that i n the event of non-finalization of the departmental proceeding initiated agains t the petitioner following the due procedure by 30.06.08, the petitioner shall b e reinstated in service w.e.f. 01.07.08. In order words, in the event of non-com pletion of the enquiry by passing final order in accordance with rules, the imp ugned order of suspension dated 23.10.03 shall have no effect from 01.07.08 and the petitioner shall be deemed to be reinstated in service w.e.f. 01.07.08. Thi s will be without, however, any prejudice to the disciplinary proceeding. Howev er, the respondents cannot prolong the matter indefinitely. They must take a dec ision in the matter in accordance with law. With the above directions and observations, the writ petition is dispose d of.