Suspension does not automatically end after 90 days when no charge-sheet is issued; continuation may be sustained on serious allegations.

Under the relevant service rules, suspension does not lapse automatically after 90 days merely because no charge-sheet has been issued. Continued suspension remains in force until the competent authority modifies or revokes it, and its legality depends on judicial review of the reasons and surrounding facts. Where allegations are serious and CBI or vigilance investigations are pending or completed, with major penalty proceedings and prosecution contemplated, continuation of suspension may be sustained. The cited authorities were not treated as laying down an absolute rule requiring reinstatement after three months. On those facts, the continued suspension was not held illegal and no interference was called for.

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Issues: Whether the applicant's continued suspension, extended from time to time without a charge-sheet having been issued within 90 days, was illegal and liable to be quashed.

Analysis: The Tribunal held that the governing suspension rules do not create automatic reinstatement merely because a charge-sheet is delayed. An order of suspension continues to remain in force until modified or revoked by the competent authority, and the legality of its extension depends on judicial review of the reasons and the surrounding facts. The Tribunal relied on the seriousness of the allegations, the pending and completed investigations by the CBI and vigilance authorities, and the fact that major penalty proceedings and prosecution were contemplated. It also treated the cited authorities as not laying down an absolute rule that suspension must end after three months in every case where a charge-sheet has not been served.

Conclusion: The continued suspension was not held illegal, and no interference was called for.

Ratio Decidendi: Suspension under the relevant service rules does not lapse automatically on expiry of 90 days merely because no charge-sheet has been issued, and its continuation may be sustained where the allegations are serious and the competent authority has not revoked it.

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