CHETAN K. M. Vs. REGISTRAR, KARNATAKA LOKAYUKTHA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioner, a civil servant is invoking the writ jurisdiction of this Court for assailing the Tribunal's order dtd. 24/6/2024 whereby, his challenge to the punishment order directing withholding of four annual increments with cumulative effect has been negatived by dismissing his Application No.5237/2023.

(2.) Learned counsel appearing for the Petitioner vehemently argues that the enquiry report is as vague as can be; having discussed the role of each of the delinquents, as against this Petitioner, the charges are held to have been not proved, although at the conclusion part it has been held to have been proved to some extent; the conclusion of the enquiry officer should accord with the findings that precede it. Lastly, the punishment awarded to the petitioner is highly disproportionate to the gravity of the charges and it shakes conscience of the Court.

(3.) Learned AGA appearing for the official Respondents and the learned Senior Panel Counsel appearing for the Upa-Lokayukta oppose the petition making submission in justification of Tribunal's order and the reasons on which it has been constructed. They draw attention of the Court to the findings recorded by the enquiry officer as to the complicity of the Petitioner along with the rest of delinquents. The Tribunal having examined the matter has handed order of the kind and that does not warrant interference of this Court. So contending they seek dismissal of the petition.