UNION OF INDIA Vs. CHANDER SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition has been filed by the petitioner herein for setting aside a judgment and order dated 15th September 2000 passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal, Principal Bench, in OA 427/98 whereby and whereunder the Original Application filed by the respondent herein questioning an order dated 30th September 1996 in terms where of he was compulsorily retired from service by way of punishment and the order of the appellate authority dated 26th February 1997 rejecting his appeal was dismissed.

(2.) The factual matrix of the matter is as linden.

(3.) The petitioner was a postman. A report was published in daily newspapers with photographs showing thousands of letters unattended on the road. Upon enquiry, it was revealed that the respondent was entrusted to deliver the said bag of mails. Upon further enquiry, it was revealed that the respondent had been carrying on such practice for about two years. He was, therefore, placed under suspension and a disciplinary proceeding in terms of Rule 14 of the CCS (CCA) Rules 1965 was initiated. On 29th September 1996, a written statement of defence was submitted by him wherein he admitted his guilt and lapse in clear and unequivocal terms. On the basis of his admission, the afore-mentioned punishment was imposed. The petitioner preferred an appeal thereagainst which was dismissed by an order dated 26th Febrary 1997. The Original Application was filed by the petitioner questioning the afore-mentioned order.