ORDER 1. Learned Additional Advocate General has produced for our perusal a letter dated 22nd December, 2018 received from the Principal Secretary (Vigilance), Government of Himachal Pradesh. Alongwith this letter, minutes of the meeting held on 5th December, 2018 under the Chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister to review the status of pending departmental inquiries have also been appended. It is revealed from these proceedings that as on 7th March, 2018, there were total 66 officers having doubtful integrity in various Departments, out of whom, 19 were found to be posted on sensitive posts. 54 officers out of 66 were facing departmental proceedings, whereas remaining 12 were found to be facing criminal proceedings in Court in vigilance/local police cases. Those 19 officers have been posted out of sensitive posts. 2. As regard to 54 departmental enquiries, 28 enquiries are said to have been completed, whereas 26 cases are yet to be finalized. Out of these 26 cases, 16 are pending before the Commissioner, Departmental Enquiries and remaining 10 are pending with different Departments. It is also mentioned that revised instructions on doubtful integrity, in conformity with Government of India instructions and the CVC Vigilance Mannual, 2017 have been approved and issued on 17th December, 2018. 3. In this view of the matter, let Commissioner, Departmental Enquiries or concerned Departments take appropriate action for completion of enquiries in 16 cases pending before the Commissioner, Departmental Enquiries or 10 cases pending before different Departments. It shall be appreciated if the pending proceedings are completed within two months. 4. As regard to the officers against whom vigilance/police cases are pending, let separate status report be filed as to whether or not Challans (Section 173 Cr. P.C., 1973 reports) have been filed and if so, whether charges have been framed against them? Details of the Courts where those cases are pending be also furnished, so that appropriate directions for speedy trial of the cases can be issued. Similarly, Government need to evolve a Policy mechanism to ensure that where integrity of the officer/official is under cloud, he should not be given sensitive or administrative posting and it should be ensured that such officer/official does not get an opportunity to tamper with the record or influence the witnesses/officials whose depositions would be relevant in the matter. 5. Similarly, Government need to evolve a Policy mechanism to ensure that where integrity of the officer/official is under cloud, he should not be given sensitive or administrative posting and it should be ensured that such officer/official does not get an opportunity to tamper with the record or influence the witnesses/officials whose depositions would be relevant in the matter. 5. The Government will also explore the possibility of invoking its powers to retire the Government employees/officers/officials pre-maturily in public interest wherever they have become deadwood or liability on account of their doubtful integrity. Action taken report in this regard be also submitted by the next date of hearing. 6. Post the matter for further hearing on 14th March, 2019.