V K OBULISWAMY, EXECUTIVE ENGINEER, TAMIL NADU WATER SUPPLY AND DRAINAGE BOARD, SALEM Vs. MANAGING DIRECTOR, TAMIL NADU WATER SUPPLY AND DRAINAGE BOARD, CHEPAUK, CHENNAI AND SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, MUNICIPAL ADMINISTATION AND WATER SUPPLY DEPARTMENT, CHENNAI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard the learned counsels appearing for the parties. Petitioner who is an Executive Engineer working under Tamil Nadu Water Supply & Drainage Board, has filed this writ petition challenging the order of punishment imposed against him.

(2.) It is not disputed that the petitioner was working as Deputy Superintendent Engineer in the office of the Superintendent Engineer, RPK Circle, Sivaganga with effect from 30.5.1994 to 30.4.1995. Subsequently he was also asked to remain in charge of the Post of the Executive Engineer, Maintenance Division, Paramakudy with effect from 29.12.1994 to 7.4.1995, that is to say, for a period just exceeding four months. On 29.4.1999 disciplinary proceedings was initiated against the petitioner. Charge Memo including the charge is to the following effect :-

(3.) Petitioner gave a reply stating that the Telex message of the Managing Director dated 5.1.1994 which had been received by his predecessor in office has never been brought to his notice. It was also further submitted by him that he did not know anything about the re-employment of the NMR personnel who were not put in service of 480 days as on 31.12.1993. Subsequently without holding any further enquiry, minor punishment was imposed by the Managing Director, namely Sri A.M. Kasiviswanathan, I.A.S. The order passed by the Managing Director is quoted here under :-