RAM BHAJAN Vs. PUNJAB STATE AND ANR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The appellant was working as Conductor with Punjab Roadways, Pathankot. He has filed this appeal to impugn the judgment passed by the trial Court as well as by the Appellate Court, Gurdaspur. The appellant had filed the suit seeking declaration to the effect that the order passed by the General Manager, Pathankot dated 17.11.1987 removing him from service with immediate effect was illegal, null and void.

(2.) The appellant had joined the service in the year 1973. The removal order passed against the appellant was challenged on the following grounds:

(3.) The allegation against the appellant is that he had embezzeled a sum of Rs. 585.65 while working as Conductor conducting the bus from Delhi to Pathankot on 05.11.1986. The appellant had issued used tickets to the passengers worth Rs. 585.65 and thus had embezzeled the Government money. Having failed in his appeal, the appellant had filed the suit to challenge this order on various grounds. In the reply filed, the suit was opposed. It was pleaded that the respondent was given full opportunity to defend himself and the impugned order was passed after holding an inquiry, which was conducted without any flaw. It was also pleaded that the appellant was provided a reasonable opportunity to defend himself.