(1.) The petitioner herein joined the service of Simhachalam Devasthanam-the sole respondent herein in the year 1967 as Dushakari (Mali). By proceedings dated 17.06.1996, his services were terminated and aggrieved by the same, the present writ petition is filed.
(2.) I have heard the learned counsel for both the parties. The material available on record shows that a show cause notice dated 26.03.1996 was issued to the petitioner calling upon him to show cause as to why he should not be terminated from service on the grounds specified therein which included unauthorized absence from 20.06.1995. The petitioner submitted his explanation dated 08.03.1996. Having found that the explanation was not satisfactory, the respondent passed the impugned order terminating the services of the petitioner.
(3.) The learned counsel for the petitioner while submitting that the impugned order of termination being a major penalty, it is mandatory to conduct an enquiry as provided under A.P.Civil Services (Classification, control and Appeal) Rules, 1963 (for short 'CCA Rules') vehemently contended that since no such enquiry was held, the impugned order is liable to be set aside on that ground alone.