Absence Of Presenting Officer During Conduct Of Inquiry Proceedings

Mr. Ranade, Ex tahsildar from Panvel (Maharashtra) who is  conducting an inquiry
had asked me a question as to whether  it would be right to proceed with the inquiry
in the absence of presenting officer who failed to remain present in spite of notice to him.
My answer to this question is as under.

 It is the discretion of the disciplinary authority  as to whether a presenting officer is
to be appointed or otherwise but it is always desirable to appoint a presenting officer
in the proceeding initiated to impose a major penalty . Once the presenting officer is
appointed , it is his duty to remain present on the day fixed by the inquiry officer for
conduct the inquiry proceeding. If the presenting officer remains absent, it would
amount to indiscipline and  he will be liable for disciplinary action. for his lapse..

If the presenting officer remains absent in spite of notice to him, the inquiry officer
may adjourn the proceeding and inform  in writing to the disciplinary authority about
the said absence and making it further clear that the inquiry will be proceeded with
on the next date fixed ,even in the absence of presenting  officer. The presenting
officer also be informed accordingly. In-spite of this if presenting officer remains
absent, the inquiry officer  should proceed with the inquiry. If witnesses on behalf
of the disciplinary authority  are present, they should be examined and their
depositions recorded by the inquiry officer . After examination of each witness,
,he should be allowed to be cross examined by the delinquent employee or his
defence assistant.Similarly after examination of each of the witnesses on behalf
of the employee, the inquiry officer should ask the questions to each witness
with a view  to know the all the facts involved in the case so that he will be
able to draw the conclusions and give his findings on each of the charges leveled
against the employee.Then the inquiry should be completed as per the procedure
prescribed in the relevant rules.
.
 REMEMBER THAT THE INQUIRY CONDUCTED IN THE
ABSENCE OF PRESENTING OFFICER  DOES NOT
GET  VITIATED .

NOTE: Queries in relation to conduct of departmental inquiry , if any ,may be
sent to me on my e mail address viz. shridharji@hotmail.com  Reply to such
queries will be given on this blog so that others also can benefit from them