This petition is directed to call in question the validity of letter dated 7.11.2013 issued by Respondent No, 2 and letter dated 25.10.2013 issued by Respondent No, 4 whereby the petitioner was required to join an inquiry before Anti Corruption Establishment in respect of embezzlement of funds pertaining to Government College of Commerce, Burewala where petitioner was posted as Principal.
2. It is case of the petitioner that the complaint was based on malafide; that departmental proceedings were in progress regarding the same issue when the impugned letters were issued by the Anti Corruption authorities which are against law on the subject and liable to be struck down.
3. Petition has been opposed on the ground that in preliminary inquiry only notices were issued to the petitioner to submit his explanation and till now no adverse action was taken against the petitioner. Hence, the petition was not maintainable.
4. Heard. Perused.
5.Record reveals that letter dated 07.11.2013 issued by Respondent No, 2 was a notice only to appear in person or through attorney in connection with a complaint lodged regarding embezzlement of funds. Similarly, letter dated 25.10.2013 is to the effect that the petitioner may appear before Circle Officer Anti Corruption Establishment District Vehari to explain his position. The preliminary inquiry has been initiated in order to see whether any embezzlement has been committed or not.
Commencement of such an inquiry cannot be termed as an adverse action against the petitioner.
Contention of petitioner that he being an officer in BPS-19 could not be proceeded against without prior permission of the Chief Secretary as provided under Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment Rules, 1974 is also not correct as the above mentioned rules have already been repealed and were not applicable to the subject. Resultantly, the petition in hand is dismissed.