Mahesh C v. Union of India & Ors.

What is this about?

Delhi HC writ (W.P.(C) 1014/2026, decided 24.03.2026) dismissing a CRPF Constable's petition seeking mid-course interdiction of a third departmental enquiry into sexual harassment allegations. Themes: no interference in ongoing disciplinary proceedings absent a contention going to the root of initiation; challenge reserved to the final enquiry order with all contentions kept open; bias representation against Presiding Officer (Neeraj Bala) stated to have been rejected by the Competent Authority; defence assistant (M. Vinod Jadhav) allowed only in the third enquiry after the earlier SLICC enquiry was cancelled for denying the defence-assistant opportunity; earlier cancellation because an enquiry under the POSH Act, 2013 was warranted; preliminary enquiry under Standing Order No. 20/2001; enquiry proposed under Section 11(1) of the CRPF Act, 1949 read with Rule 27 of the CRPF Rules, 1955; Articles 14, 20(2) and 21 invoked in the prayer clause; undertakings regarding in camera conduct and physical production of the complainant for cross-examination. Potentially citable for: timing of judicial intervention in departmental enquiries; preservation of contentions for post-final-order challenge; deferral of natural-justice grievances to the end of the disciplinary process.