PARENDRA DEBBARMA Vs. STATE OF TRIPURA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. Raju Datta, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner. Also heard Mr. M. Debbarma, learned Addl. G.A. appearing for the respondents-State and Mr. D. Sarkar, learned counsel appearing for the respondents No. 3, 4, 5 and 6.

(2.) By means of filing this writ petition, the petitioner has challenged the impugned order of penalty dtd. 10/1/2020, issued by the Disciplinary Authority, whereby and whereunder, the promotion of the petitioner was withheld for a period of three years and further directed for recovery of Rs.9,08,067.00 Rupees Nine Lakhs Eight Thousand Sixty Seven i.e. 50% of the unadjusted amount of Rs.18,16,134.00 Rupees Eighteen Lakhs Sixteen Thousand One Hundred Thirty Four only .

(3.) Relevant facts, in short, are that the petitioner was initially appointed as Forest Ranger under the Forest Department, Government of Tripura, in the year 1982 and on 16/6/2004 he was promoted as Sub-divisional Forest Officer, TFS, Gr.-II, under the Government of Tripura. From 13/9/2006 to 27/7/2009, the petitioner was deputed as a Deputy Manager of Tripura Rehabilitation and Plantation Corporation Ltd., TRPC, for short , a Government of Tripura undertaking, represented by the respondents No.3, 4 and 5 herein. During his service on deputation under TRPC, one departmental proceeding was initiated against the petitioner alleging, inter alia, that he misappropriated a sum of Rs.18,16,134.00 Rupees eighteen lakhs sixteen thousand one hundred thirty four only . Inquiry was conducted and ultimately, the disciplinary authority i.e. the Principal Secretary, Government of Tripura, General Administration (A and R) Department, imposed punishment as stated hereinabove.