Who decides the reference sent by the Hearing Officer under PERA Act 2024?

According to the PERA Act 2024, the Chairperson of the Board holds the responsibility to decide the reference forwarded by the Hearing Officer. This legal provision ensures that final authority rests with the Chairperson rather than with the Hearing Officer, Secretary, or any other external official.

The Hearing Officer’s primary role is to conduct inquiries, gather evidence, and frame a reference for further action. However, the law places the decision-making power in the hands of the Chairperson of the Board. This step is crucial for maintaining consistency, centralized oversight, and transparency within the enforcement mechanism.

By assigning this power to the Chairperson, the Act avoids the possibility of fragmented decisions and provides a clear chain of command. The Chairperson’s involvement ensures that sensitive matters are reviewed at the highest level of the Board, reinforcing the principles of accountability and fairness.

In practical terms, this provision of the PERA Act 2024 strengthens governance by ensuring that no reference is decided at a lower administrative level without proper evaluation. The Chairperson’s final decision reflects the collective intent of the law to uphold justice, integrity, and efficiency in regulatory enforcement.