Covid19: Disciplinary proceedings against govt servants may be conducted via video conferencing, says Centre

Taking note of the delay and deferment of disciplinary inquiry proceedings due to the outbreak of the Corona virus pandemic, the Central Government on Wednesday clarified that the concerned authorities may conduct disciplinary proceedings with the aid of video conferencing.
The official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in this regard also made it clear that the principles of natural justice were to be fully adhered to while conducting the proceedings through the digital mode.
The DoPT's order also referred to its previous order issued by it on September 15, 2017, wherein it was stated-
'The Inquiry Officer shall conduct the inquiry proceedings at a location taking into account the availability of records, station/place where the misconduct occurred as well as the convenience of the witnesses/ P0 etc. Video Conferencing should be utilized to the maximum extent possible to minimize travel undertaken by the lO/PO/CO. The cadre controlling authorities will facilitate necessary arrangements for the Video Conferencing."

Read the Order

http://theleaflet.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Videoconferencing.pdf