K J KADAM Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) WE have heard learned counsel Mr. M.J. Patel, for the petitioner and learned counsel Mr. Saurabh G. Amin for the respondents.

(2.) THIS special Civil Application has been filed, challenging the orders dated 18.08.2010, 20.05.2010 and 12.10.2010, passed by the respondents, by which, the pay of the petitioner has been reduced by three stages for a period of three years, with further direction that during the period of reduction he will not earn increments of pay and that on expiry of this period, the reduction will have the effect of postponing his future increments of pay.

(3.) THE Inquiry Officer, after examining the statement of the witnesses and material on record, came to the conclusion that the theft had taken place prior to 9:30 P.m., and the theft had taken place prior to joining of his duties, therefore, he was not responsible for the theft. Further, a finding was recorded by the Inquiry Officer that no one informed the petitioner about the theft.