amendment to the charge sheet

25. What precaution is to be taken consequent to the amendment to the charge sheet? In the case of M.G. Aggarwal Vs. Municipal Corporation Of Delhi decided on 10 July, 1987 [32 (1987) DLT 394] it was held as under: (7) It is obvious that the effect of the corrigendum would be to make out a new charge against the petitioner. However, the earlier enquiry was not terminated and new enquiry was not commenced against the petitioner. The corrigendum substantially altered the charge against the petitioner. No new enquiry was held. Mr. S.P. Jain witness was re-called in the continued enquiry on 3/04/1986, and he further gave evidence which supported the corrigendum. The enquiry ultimately resulted in the aforesaid order of dismissal dated 24/07/1986. which was confirmed by an order dated 18/11/1986. The result of this enquiry cannot obviously be sustained. When the charge has been substantially altered, it has to be tried de novo. The enquiry held and continued on the basis of the charge-sheet dated 31/01/1985and continued by incorporating the distinct charge, the subject-matter of The corrigendum dated 4/03/1986, is no enquiry at all as the petitioner has been denied an opportunity to meet the amended charge, as amended by The corrigendum. He has not been permitted to file reply to the amended charge. This being the case, the petitioner not having been given the opportunity to defend himself, the entire enquiry proceedings are bad in law, and the order of termination dated 24/07/1986 as well as the appellate order dated 1 8/11/1986 have to be quashed.