Public employees pe jab misconduct ka allegation hota hai, to departmental enquiry hota hai – jo criminal trial se alag hai, but life/career pe huge impact daal sakta hai.
Basic natural justice rules:
- Clear charge-sheet,
- Evidence access,
- Mauka to cross-examine witnesses,
- Apna defence present karne ka full chance,
- Impartial enquiry officer,
- Reasoned report and speaking order.
Agar enquiry sirf formality ho – pehle se punishment decide, questions mock, defence ignore – to courts later aise orders quash kar sakte hain.
Employee ko bhi properly cooperate, records produce, aur written defence carefully draft karna chahiye. Silence ya casual attitude baad me regret me convert ho sakta hai.