It is always emphasized upon the necessity of observance of the principles of natural justice in the conduct of departmental inquiry by the employer. The rules of natural justice oblige the employer's management to follow certain pre inquiry procedures like informing the employee of the charges levelled against him, providing him the list of witnesses and documents having nexus with the incident to be relied upon in the departmental inquiry so that the CE and his DR can cross check its authenticity and veracity and thereby the CE should be provided with an opportunity to cross examine the contents and discredit their testimonies if required, fair opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and examine witnesses, including himself, in support of his defense and unbiased and proper recording of the evidences adduced by the CE. As such the IO should follow principles of natural justice, so that justice is done with the inquiry proceedings.
With best wishes,
Keshav Ram Singhal
Abbreviation
IO = Inquiry Officer / Enquiry Officer / Inquiring Authority
PO = Presenting Officer
DR = Defence Representative
CE = Charged Employee / Charged Officer
DA = Disciplinary Authority
AA = Appellate Authority
