PANAJI
In a major disciplinary action, the Governor of Goa has approved the removal of Adhoc Civil Judge, Senior Division and Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao, South Goa, Aruna Fernandes, from service over gross misconduct.
The order comes after a recommendation by the Disciplinary Committee of the High Court of Bombay, which found her guilty of gross misconduct under the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965.
The departmental inquiry against Fernandes was initiated following a decision by the Committee of the High Court while she was serving as Civil Judge, Junior Division and Judicial Magistrate First Class, Canacona, and later holding posts at Quepem and Margao. She was under suspension since December 30, 2023.
As per the government records, two separate chargesheets had been filed against Fernandes -- one dated December 6, 2022 and another dated November 3, 2023 with all charges in both sets of proceedings found to be proven.
Following the submission of the inquiry reports, the Disciplinary Committee served Fernandes two final show cause notices dated January 23, 2025, seeking her response. However, she failed to submit any reply within the stipulated time.
Subsequently, the Committee resolved to impose the penalty of removal from service under Rule 11(viii) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965. The Registrar General of the Bombay High Court communicated this decision to the Goa Government on March 11, 2025, requesting formal issuance of orders. The Governor, acting on the recommendation, enforced the dismissal.
“As requested by the Registrar General of the Bombay High Court, the matter was placed before the Governor of Goa and the Governor of Goa has accepted the recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee of the High Court of Bombay. Now, therefore, the major penalty of removal from service is hereby imposed upon Aruna Fernandes, Adhoc Civil Judge, Senior Division and Judicial Magistrate First Class, Margao, South Goa, as per Rule 11(viii) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, with immediate effect,” the order stated.
