UNION OF INDIA Vs. M B SHAJAHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard the learned counsel appearing for the parties.

(2.) Though the miscellaneous petition was listed for hearing, considering the scope and nature of the case, the main writ petition itself is taken up for hearing.

(3.) The Union of India has preferred the present writ petition challenging the order passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal allowing the Original Application filed by the first respondent herein, who is a retired Senior Post Master. The allegation against him is that after his joining as Sub Divisional Inspector, Arni Sub Division on 4.1993, one Shri.G.Karunakaran, an outsider, who had already been engaged from 30.1992 by the then Sub Divisional Inspector, was allowed by him to continue from 4.1993 to 15.7.1997 and thereafter from 11.6.2001 to 9.2002 by showing favourism and the order of put off duty imposed on G.Karunakaran for misappropriation of 16 money orders, was revoked by the first respondent herein without initiating the disciplinary proceedings. The grievance of the first respondent herein is that it has taken 22 long years to issue the charge memo against him and therefore, it has to be quashed. On the ground of inordinate delay in issuing the charge memo, it was quashed by the Central Administrative Tribunal.