Process of Departmental Proceedings and Principles of Natural Justice – Constitutional Mandate, Connected Rules and Guidelines

Principles of natural justice are synonymous with fairness and justice in the dispensation of justice and have always been most significant factors in judicial, quasi- judicial and administrative system. In the context of departmental proceedings against a Government servant, it is imperative that these principles are followed in letter and spirit so that the proceedings are fair, unbiased and just, and also procedurally correct. To ensure that these principles are observed in the departmental proceedings, there is constitutional mandate as well as Government rules and regulations which enjoin upon the authorities to conduct the proceedings according to these principles. It, therefore, becomes the duty and responsibility of the administrative, inquiring and disciplinary authorities to follow the constitutional mandate and governmental rules and regulations in letter and spirit to observe the principles of natural justice in the departmental proceedings against a Government servant