APSRTC Vs. CH SRINIVASULU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Writ Appeal is filed against the order, dated 19.07.2012, passed in W.P.No.11635 of 2001 wherein the learned Single Judge modified the order of the 3rd appellant to the extent of punishment of stoppage of one annual increment with cumulative effect imposed on the respondent, to withholding of one annual increment without cumulative effect.

(2.) The respondent is working as Conductor in the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation and while he was on duty on 13.08.1999 on route - Jangareddygudem to Bhimavaram, there was inspection of the bus by the Officers and on the ground that he was in possession of certain unconnected tickets of L 2.50 ps. denomination, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him by issuing show cause notice and after referring to the explanation offered by him, the 3rd appellant passed an order, dated 14.10.1999, imposing on him the punishment of withholding of one annual increment with cumulative effect. Being aggrieved by the same, the respondent filed the writ petition and the learned Single Judge modified the said order by order, dated 19.07.2012 and the same is under challenge in this writ appeal.

(3.) Learned standing counsel for the APSRTC appearing for the appellants submitted that withholding of annual increments falls under Regulation 8 (1) (iv) of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation Employees (Classification, Control and Appeal) Regulations, 1967 (for short the Regulations), for which, no enquiry need be conducted as per Regulation 12(2) of the Regulations, as such, the punishment imposed on the respondent is in accordance with the Regulations.