Statutory Bar on Inquiries for Events Exceeding Four Years

Provisions regulating post-superannuation disciplinary action, such as Rule 27(2)(b)(ii) of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1982, establish a clear period of limitation by mandating that no inquiry shall be instituted in respect of any event which took place more than four years prior to such institution. This statutory limitation operates as a beneficial and protective shield designed to regulate state discretion and spare retirees from being subjected to stale claims and belated administrative actions. Where departmental proceedings are sought to be launched after retirement, the competent authority is strictly barred from inquiring into occurrences or causes of action that transpired outside the designated four-year window. Any charge-sheet issued in violation of this temporal embargo is barred by limitation and inherently without jurisdiction. (Kadirkhan Ahmedkhan Pathan Vs The Maharashtra State Warehousing Corporation & Ors. | 2026 INSC 16)