S ARASAPPAN Vs. SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTION COMMITTEE FOR EMPANELMENT, PROMOTION AS ASSISTANT CONSERVATORS REP ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS DEPARTMENT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard both sides.

(2.) The petitioner was appointed as Forester and joined service in Arasu Rubber Corporation Ltd. Nagercoil on 21.02.1980. Thereafter, he was directly recruited through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission as Forest Ranger and he worked as Forest Ranger, Social Forestry Range, Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar Division from 01.11.2002 to 08.06.2005. In respect of certain lapses in the execution of TAP works known as Malaiyapuram Abedkar Nagar Project Works 2004-2005 and consequent loss to the Government, the Division Forest Officer, Social Forestry Range, Virudhnagar Division, by his proceedings, dated 06.03.2007 issued a show cause memo under Rule 17(a) of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (D & A) Rule. The petitioner submitted his reply, dated 17.04.2007 wherein he has stated that he was not responsible for any such lapses, but the 4th respondent without considering the reply of the petitioner in proper perspective, based on the remarks by the Divisional Forest Officer, Sapthur Range, passed orders on 31.05.2007 imposing the punishment of stoppage of increment for two years without any cumulative effect.

(3.) Aggrieved by the same, the petitioner filed appeal to the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Forest Administration) Chennai, and the said Authority also rejected the appeal, by his proceedings in Pro.No.Aa.Aa.3/68157-1/07, dated 21.05.2008, which is challenged in this writ petition.