48That duty of diligence and of observance of a reasonable period is also essential with regard to the initiation of disciplinary proceedings, in particular where and from the time when the administration becomes aware of facts and conduct which are liable to constitute breaches of an official's obligations under the Staff Regulations. Even in the absence of a limitation period, disciplinary authorities are under an obligation to ensure that proceedings intended to result in a disciplinary measure are initiated within a reasonable period (judgment in Case T-78/02 Voigt v ECB [2003] ECRSC I-A-165 and II-839, paragraph 64). Failure to observe a reasonable period for initiating disciplinary proceedings, which here again depends on the specific circumstances of the case, may render any disciplinary proceedings initiated with undue delay by the administration unlawful and, accordingly, may result in the annulment of the disciplinary measure adopted at the conclusion of those proceedings (see, by analogy, judgment of the Court of Justice in Case C-270/99 P Z v Parliament [2001] ECR I-9197, paragraphs 43 and 44; judgments in D v Commission, paragraph 25, and de Compte v Parliament, paragraph 88).
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