JOSEPH Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) APPELLANT is the petitioner in O. P. 13485 of 1991. He was the Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies. He retired from service on 31-3-1990. While working as Senior Co-operative Inspector he was appointed on deputation basis as full time Member and Convenor of the Administrative Committee of Changanacherry Taluk Co-operative Consumer Stores during 10-9-1975 to 15-8-1977. Certain irregularities on his part were found out and disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him. As a result of the full fledged enquiry his explanation was found unacceptable and the disciplinary authority imposed a punishment of withholding two increments with cumulative effect. The appeal filed by him was not successful. Appellate Authority's decision was challenged in O. P. 8067 of 1985. In that Original Petition this Court directed the appellate Authority to reconsider the entire matter and passed fresh orders in accordance with Rule 31 (2) of the Kerala Civil services (Classification, Control and appeal) Rules. There after Ext. P-3 order was passed upholding the punishment imposed by the disciplinary authority. That was challenged in O. P. 13485 of 1991. The learned Single Judge held that the punishment imposed on the appellant is not in any way excessive or unreasonable and accordingly dismissed the Original Petition.

(2.) APPELLANT's main contention is that the punishment imposed against him is shockingly disproportionate to the charges levelled against him and that Ext. P-2 order does not contain any reason at all.