(1) The Competent Authority, after receiving an intimation from the Second Appellate Authority about the repeated failures committed by the concerned Designated Officer to provide public services or repeated delays in providing public services as well as repeated failure to comply with the direction of the Appellate Authorities, shall issue a show cause notice to the Designated Officer within a period of fifteen days, why a disciplinary action should not be initiated against him. The Competent Authority shall initiate appropriate disciplinary proceedings against the Designated Officer under the Conduct and Discipline Rules as applicable.
(2) The Designated Officer against whom such notice is issued may represent to the Competent Authority concerned, within a period of fifteen days from the date of receipt of such notice. In case no such representation is received by the Competent Authority within the specified period or explanation received is not found satisfactory, the Competent Authority shall proceed with the departmental inquiry as laid down in the Conduct and Disciplinary Rules of the Public Authority :
Provided that, if the Competent Authority finds reasonable and justified grounds in favour of the Designated Officer and comes to the conclusion that the delay in delivery of services to the eligible person was not attributable to him, but was attributable to some other Designated Officer, it shall be lawful for the Competent Authority to withdraw the notice against him.
(3) While fixing the responsibility on such Designated Officer under this Act, the Competent Authority shall follow the principles of natural justice before passing the order in that respect and give reasonable opportunity of being heard to the Designated Officer.