Disciplinary Action Vitiated if Sexual Harassment Complainant Examined in Absence of Accused and Without ICC Report under Civil Service Rules: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has held that disciplinary proceedings initiated under Rule 14(2) Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965 are vitiated if they are founded on an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) inquiry where complainants are examined in the absence of the delinquent employee. The Court emphasized that such a procedure violates the principles of natural justice and cannot sustain punitive action. Bench and nature of proceedings The…