A TAMIL SELVI Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner has come forward to file the present writ petition challenging the order passed by the second respondent revisional authority, dated 25.11.2008 and after setting aside the same, seeks for an appropriate orders.

(2.) The petitioner was working as a Sales woman in the stores run by the fourth respondent Cooperative society. She was placed under suspension by an order, dated 5.6.2007. The charge against the petitioner was that 100% audit was done by the Taluk Supply Officer, Thirupattur. It was found that the petitioner had prepared fictitious bills for disposing of ration articles to the value of Rs.15,617.40. This is a serious misconduct done by the petitioner and therefore, she was placed under suspension in public interest for a period of six months. Subsequently, a charge memo was framed by the fourth respondent, dated 17.7.2007. It was found that the petitioner had caused loss of 826 Kgs. of rice, 116 Kgs. of sugar, 50 Kgs. of Wheat and 409 literes of kerosene.

(3.) The petitioner sent a representation, dated 23.07.2007. In her explanation, she had stated that no doubt an audit was done by the Taluk Supply Officer, and items were sold through duplicate bills, but for certain bills, mistakes might have been made because of the rush. She accepted the charges levelled against her and had paid an amount of Rs.15,617/-. She also regretted for the mistakes committed by her and tendered apology. The fourth respondent, by an order dated 31.5.2008 accepted the report of the Enquiry Officer, dated 16.4.2008. After giving notice and obtained explanation from the petitioner passed the order dismissing the petitioner. It was found that the act committed by the petitioner was totally illegal and it cannot be considered as a small offence and she has been continuing to do the same misconduct for three months. Hence she was dismissed from service on 31.5.2008.