SATWINDER KAUR Vs. PUNJABI UNIVERSITY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, who was working as Salesman in the Information Centre in Punjabi University, Patiala, has filed the present petition impugning the orders dated 30.11.2010 (Annexure P-2) and 27.6.2011 (Annexure P-4). Vide impugned orders, punishment of stoppage of three increments with cumulative effect has been imposed and recovery of Rs. 2,82,000/-, the embezzled amount, has been ordered to be made from her. Further grievance is that though the enquiry, during the pendency of which the petitioner was placed under suspension, has been concluded and punishment has also been inflicted on her, but still she has not been reinstated back in service.

(2.) Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner was placed under suspension for alleged embezzlement of amount collected on account of sale of forms, syllabus and prospectus at the sales counter. The enquiry was concluded and ultimately the petitioner was awarded punishment of stoppage of three increments with cumulative effect.

(3.) Recovery of Rs. 2,82,000/- was also directed to be made from her. Placing reliance upon a judgment of Hon'ble the Supreme Court in Union of India and another v. S. C. Parashar,2006 1 SCT 804, it was submitted that at the same time major and minor punishments could not be imposed for the same charge. Recovery of the alleged pecuniary loss to the government is one of the minor penalties, whereas stoppage of increments with cumulative effect is major penalty.