Continuation of suspension upheld where reasons were recorded on review and serious allegations justified extending suspension beyond the initial period.

Continuation of suspension under Rule 10(i)(a) of the CCS (CCA) Rules was upheld where the competent authority reviewed the matter, recorded reasons, and relied on the gravity of the allegations. The Delhi High Court accepted that Ajay Kumar Choudhary does not impose an absolute bar on extending suspension beyond the initial period, and rejected the argument that fixation of headquarters at another zone by itself negated the need for suspension. Finding no infirmity in the disciplinary authority's order, the Court declined interference under Article 226.

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Issues: Whether the extension of suspension beyond 90 days under Rule 10(i)(a) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965 was unlawful in view of the Supreme Court decision in Ajay Kumar Choudhary and whether the fixation of headquarters after suspension undermined the need to continue suspension.

Analysis: The Tribunal's view that the Supreme Court decision did not lay down an absolute bar on continuation of suspension was accepted. The Court held that the reliance on that decision to contend that suspension could never be extended beyond three months was misplaced. It further held that the fixation of headquarters at another zone did not by itself negate the employer's basis for continuing suspension, particularly where the allegations were serious and the authority had recorded reasons for extension after review. The Court found no infirmity in the disciplinary authority's order and declined interference under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

Conclusion: The challenge to the continuation of suspension failed and the petitioner's case was rejected.

Final Conclusion: The impugned suspension extension order was upheld, and the writ petition was dismissed.

Ratio Decidendi: Suspension may be continued on review where the competent authority records reasons based on the gravity of allegations, and the decision in Ajay Kumar Choudhary does not create an absolute prohibition on extension of suspension beyond an initial period.

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