K. Ananthapadmanabha Rao Vs Commissioner of Central Taxes (Karnataka High Court)
The Karnataka High Court considered a writ petition challenging an order dated 10.11.2025 dismissing the petitioner from service as Superintendent of Central Tax, North West Commissionerate. The petitioner sought quashing of the dismissal order, reinstatement with retrospective salary and interest, and alternatively, relief before the Central Administrative Tribunal.
The Court noted that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against the petitioner through a charge memorandum dated 10.10.2023. An enquiry report dated 27.12.2024 was subsequently submitted, followed by a disagreement note dated 31.03.2025 holding that the charges against the petitioner stood proved.
Parallel criminal proceedings were pending in Special CC No.29/2023. The petitioner had filed a discharge application in the criminal case, which was awaiting orders. In these circumstances, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 07.11.2025 requesting an opportunity for personal hearing before any final decision was taken in the disciplinary proceedings. The petitioner stated that the customs adjudication proceedings had already reduced the gravity of allegations substantially and that both the customs appeal and discharge application were pending for orders.
According to the petitioner, despite this request for personal hearing, the disciplinary authority passed the dismissal order on 10.11.2025, only three days after the representation, without granting any hearing. The petitioner contended that this violated principles of natural justice.
