(1.) The challenge in this appeal, by special leave, is to a judgment and order dtd. 19/10/2019[impugned order] of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad[High Court]. It is laid by the State of Uttar Pradesh, the unsuccessful writ petitioner[appellant]. The impugned order dismissed the writ petition[Writ Petition (S/B) No. 28859/2019] of the appellant, wherein the final order of the Uttar Pradesh State Public Services Tribunal[Tribunal] dtd. 19/11/2018 was under challenge. The Tribunal set aside the order of punishment dtd. 24/3/2015 imposing a penalty of Rs.10.25 lakh along with a 5% reduction in pension for five years on Ram Prakash Singh[Respondent].
(2.) The facts of the case are of great significance given the key arguments advanced by the parties. Hence, we find it appropriate to briefly narrate the events having a bearing on our decision before proceeding to examine the merits of the rival claims. The vital facts, as culled out from the records, to decide the appeal are as follows:
(3.) Learned counsel for the appellant, seeking quashing of the impugned order and the order passed by the Tribunal, vigorously contended that: