Is it true that the reason for instituting departmental proceedings against an employee implies substantive fairness?

Not necessarily. Instituting departmental proceedings against an employee does not automatically imply substantive fairness. The fairness of the proceedings would depend on various factors such as the reasons for initiating the proceedings, the evidence presented, the opportunity for the employee to defend themselves, and the impartiality of the decision-makers. It is important for the proceedings to be conducted in a fair and transparent manner in order to ensure substantive fairness.