(1.) The present regular second appeal has been filed challenging the judgment and decree of the trial court by which, the suit filed by the respondent-plaintiff was allowed vide judgment and decree dtd. 20/9/2018 as well as the judgment and decree of the lower appellate court dtd. 10/11/2021 by which, the appeal filed against the judgment and decree of the trial court dtd. 20/9/2018, has been dismissed.
(2.) Certain facts need to be mentioned for the correct appreciation of the controversy in hand.
(3.) The respondent-plaintiff joined the department as a Lineman on 28/4/1975 and was promoted as a Junior Engineer on 1/1/1997. In the year 2000, an FIR No. 23 dtd. 9/6/2000 was registered against the respondent-plaintiff under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and the respondent-plaintiff was convicted in the said FIR by the Sub Judge, Faridkot on 26/9/2003.