DEVIDAS TULSHIRAM BUTE Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THESE nine petitioners by way of separate petitions are challenging the order dated 29-6-1998 suspending the petitioners as it is proposed to take disciplinary action against them for the irregularities/ indiscipline indulged in by them while handling the matter of Leather Cooperative Societies. The order expressly states that the order is passed in exercise of powers under Rule 4(c) of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rule, 1979. Two of the petitioners are Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Class -I; three of the petitioners are Special Auditors, Cooperative Societies, Class -II; three of the petitioners are Auditors Grade -I, Class -III and one of the petitioners is Deputy Registrar, Class -III.

(2.) ALL the petitioners challenged the order of suspension before the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal by filing separate original applications. The learned members of the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal, by their judgment and order dated 9-10-1998 were pleased to dismiss all the applications. Being aggrieved by the said order of dismissal as well as the original order of suspension these nine petitioners have preferred these nine separate writ petitions to this court.

(3.) WE have heard Shri Cama and Shri Pradhan, the learned advocates appearing for different petitioners. We have also heard Shri Pai, the learned A.G.P. for the State and Shri Namjoshi, the learned Special Prosecutor appointed by the State for conducting the Criminal cases which are by now knowing as shoe scam cases.