Patna High Court
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|Friday, 20 February 2026Patna HC Quashes Disciplinary Action Against Vijay Kumar Jha for Due Process Violations
Bench
Hon'ble Dr. Justice Anshuman
Anshuman
Patna HC Quashes Disciplinary Action Against Vijay Kumar Jha for Due Process Violations (2026) held that The court held that the disciplinary proceedings against the petitioner were vitiated due to non-compliance with the mandatory procedures outlined in the Bihar Government Servants (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 2005.
Vijay Kumar Jha, a police officer, challenged the disciplinary action taken against him for allegedly demanding bribes in exchange for releasing vehicles, based on a viral audio clip. He argued that the inquiry process was flawed, lacking evidence and violating procedural fairness. The High Court found that the disciplinary proceedings did not adhere to the necessary legal standards and quashed the punishment imposed on him. The court emphasized the importance of following due process in departmental inquiries.
The court held that the disciplinary proceedings against the petitioner were vitiated due to non-compliance with the mandatory procedures outlined in the Bihar Government Servants (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 2005.
The inquiry report was deemed insufficient as it lacked corroborative evidence and did not allow the petitioner the right to cross-examine witnesses, violating principles of natural justice.
The court ruled that the punishment of withholding increments was disproportionate to the charges and thus unsustainable.
Petitioner suspended on subsistence allowance
Punishment order issued withholding two annual increments
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Appeal against punishment rejected
Final judgment delivered
