V. BHOOPATHY Vs. UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition has been filed challenging the order of the Central Administrative Tribunal, Madras Bench, Chennai dated 24.09.2014 made in O.A.No.1807 of 2013 dismissing the said original application filed by the writ petitioner.

(2.) The submissions made by Mr.R.Malaichamy, learned counsel for the petitioner and by Mrs.R.Maheswari, Senior Central Government Standing Counsel were heard. The impugned order and the other materials available in the form of typed set of papers were also perused and taken into consideration.

(3.) The petitioner was appointed as Chowkidar (night duty) Group-D (NTC) cadre on compassionate grounds on 14.11.1984. While he was working at the Chetpet Post Office, Chennai complaints were received from three persons on 29.11.1997, 04.12.1997 and 05.12.1997 alleging that demand drafts and cheques sent along with the letters by Registered post meant for complainants were not properly and promptly delivered and making some entries, the cheques and demand drafts were taken out, manipulated and encashed. On enquiry by the Assistant Superintendent of Post Offices (Vigilance), Tamil Nadu Circle, Chennai, it was found that the Registered letters kept in deposit in wooden chest of Chetpet Post office by the Registration Delivery Postal Assistant with lock and key were taken out by the applicant, who was the chowkidar/night watchman, after opening the wooden chest, during night hours using duplicate key and exchanged the cheques and demand drafts. Pursuant to the said inspection, the petitioner was placed under suspension and the matter was reported to the police, based on which a criminal case in FIR No.327/1998 was registered for an offence under Section 381 IPC. The charge-sheet filed in the said case by the Central Crime Branch before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate was taken on file as C.C.no.8554/2000.