Heard Mr. K. Venkateswara Rao, learned counsel appearing for the applicant.

2.   Mr. P. Krishna, learned Additional Central Govt. Standing Counsel takes Notice on behalf of the Respondents.  Six weeks time granted for filing reply.

3.  The case relates to misappropriation of huge amount allegedly by the applicant.  The charges are grave and complicated questions of law and fact have to be gone into in the criminal case as well as in the departmental inquiry.  We are of the prima facie view that if the deparmental inquiry is proceeded with, the defence of the applicant in the criminal case would be prejudiced.  Therefore, there shall be stay of the departmental inquiry till the next date of hearing.

4.  List on 25.10.2017.