HRISHIKESH ROY,J. - (1.) Heard Mr. D. Mozumdar, the learned Senior Counsel representing the appellant/writ petitioner. The Oil India Ltd. and their officers are represented by the learned Senior Counsel Mr. S.N. Sarma.
(2.) The matter pertains to a disciplinary proceeding against the Manager (Finance and Accounts) of the Oil India Ltd. It relates to the period when the officer was functioning as the Senior Accounts Officer/Project In-charge of the Bay Exploration Project (BEP) of the oil company at Paradeep Port, Orissa. On conclusion of the proceeding drawn up under the OIL Executives Conduct, Discipline and Appeal Rules, 1982 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Conduct Rules'), the penalty of "censure" was inflicted on 19.2.2009 upon the delinquent. When the Appellate Authority upheld the minor penalty, the disciplinary action was challenged through the WP(C) No.6082/2010.
(3.) Before the Writ Court, the delinquent asserted that he committed no wrong and it is not a case of failure to maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty. The charges were described as vague and unspecific. Moreover the inquiry proceeding was contended to be vitiated, for non-examination of relevant witnesses and also misconstruing the evidence on record.;