P NATESAN Vs. CONSERVATOR OF FORESTS SALEM CIRCLE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition has been filed to Quash the punishment of reduction to the bottom scale of pay for a period of 5 years with cumulative effect passed by the second respondent herein in his Proceedings No.E2/1802/96 dated 26.12.96 and the consequential order of the first respondent herein in his Na.Ka.No.5100/97 E3 dated 14.1.99 with all consequential monetary and service benefits.

(2.) The petitioner who was the Forest Watcher was charge sheeted for three sandalwood offences on 25.02.1996, 26.02.1996 and 29.02.1996 continuously from Chekkadipatti beat, Neyyamalai Section of Valappadi Range, in which a total quantity of 2104.500 Kgs. Of Sandalwood and One Ashok Leyland Lorry bearing Regn.No.TMU 9690 have been seized. Since the petitioner was incharge of the said beat and large quantity of sandalwood worth Rs.3,68,287/- is involved, the negligence/connivance of the petitioner was suspected.

(3.) An enquiry was conducted and ultimately, a punishment was granted by the second respondent by a proceedings dated 26.12.1996 wherein reducing the pay to the bottom of the time scale for 5 years with cumulative effect. Aggrieved against the said punishment, the petitioner preferred an appeal to the Conservator of Forests, Salem and he has also confirmed the punishment on 14.01.1999. Aggrieved against the said confirmation in the appeal, the petitioner has come forward with the present application before the Tribunal now transferred to this Court.