IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA MJC No.3104 of 2008 KUMAR AJIT SINGH, SON OF LATE INDRADEO SINHA, RESIDENT OF VILLAGE – BABURA, P.S. BARAHARA, DISTRICT – BHOJPUR. ……. PETITIONER. Versus 1. THE STATE OF BIHAR. 2. MR. R.J.M. PILLAI, CHIEF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR, PATNA. 3. MR. AMIR SUBHANI, SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS, GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR, PATNA. 4. THE CHIEF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR, PATNA. 5. THE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS, GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR, PATNA. ……. OPPOSITE PARTIES. ----------- 04/ 02.04.2010 The writ application was disposed of vide order dated 31.7.2007 directing the respondents-opposite parties to conclude the departmental proceeding against the petitioner within three months from the date of receipt/production of the order. On 13.8.2007. The petitioner submitted his written statement before the Departmental Enquiry Committee, conducting the disciplinary proceeding. The petitioner was made available the enquiry report on 12.12.2007 and thereafter petitioner submitted his show cause before the Secretary, Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms. Since 12.12.2009 till 31.1.2009 the departmental proceeding remained pending, and unconcluded, without there being any reasonable explanation. - 2 - Opposite Party No. 5 was asked to submit his supplementary show cause explaining the delay in between the period 12.12.2007 to 31.1.2009. The show cause only indicates that despite the direction of this Court for concluding the departmental proceeding within three months, it could not be concluded. Only explanation enhanced by opposite party is that every person took their own time and the departmental proceeding finally got concluded, communicating the punishment order to the petitioner on 17.9.2009. Counsel representing the opposite parties admits that the delay has been caused and for that unqualified apology has been tendered by the opposite parties. . It is the fact that after much delay direction of this Court was complied. But only complying the direction of the Court, without caring for the time specified, is also a serious matter. This proceeding is being dropped but with a caution to opposite parties, responsible for causing delay, not to repeat such action in future in any other case. DKS/ (Mridula Mishra, J.)