62. KNOWLEDGE SPECTRUM - DISCIPLINE - FAQ
89. Whether all superior officers are empowered to suspend their subordinates.
Supervisory officers in field offices located outside the headquarters, may, wherever necessarily be empowered to place officers subordinate to them under suspension subject to confirmation by the reviewing authority within a period of one month from the date of orders.
(DOPT OM No. 7/4/74 – Ests (A) dt. 09.08.1974)
90. Whether an authority higher than the competent punishing authority can place an official under suspension?
No. He cannot place the official under suspension. He may suggest the competent authority as to the desirability of taking disciplinary action against the official concerned, thus leaving the question of placing the official concerned under suspension to be decided by the competent punishing authority.
(DG P&T No SPB 11/3/1951 dt. 03.05.1961)
91. An official is placed under suspension. When he can appeal against the suspension orders? What is the time limit?
The time limit of 45 days prescribed for submission of an appeal against suspension will count from the date on which the reasons for suspension are communicated. That communication should be within three months from the date of suspension.
(MHA, DP & AR. No. 35014/1/81-Ests (A) dt. 09.11.1982)
92. Instead of suspension for minor errors/mistakes, will it not be better to transfer the official to another station and avoid suspension?
Absolutely. The DG P&T vide his no. 201/43/76-Disc II dt. 15.07.1976, stipulated that if the authority finds that the purpose cannot be served by transferring the official from his post to another post then he should record reasons there for before placing the official under suspension.
Further it is observed in the said OM that while reviewing suspension, the official can be allowed to resume duties by transferring him from his post to another wherever feasible.
The provisions are there! But who cares these provisions?
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