CHARAN SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner retired from the service of the State of Punjab, respondent No. 1, as Superintendent Grade 1, on 31.5.1985. He was working in the office of the Administrator-cum-Additional Cortroller, Government Presses, Patiala. He complains that he has not been paid the following amounts which accrued due to him on his retirement :-

(2.) He made repeated representation for payment of these dues which is evident from Annexures P.1 to P.5 but without any fruitful result. He seeks issuance of a writ of mandamus to the respondents to release the above dues to him with interest at the rate of 18 per cent per annum from 1.6.1985.

(3.) Written statement has been filed on behalf of respondent No. 1. It is inter alia, stated therein that so far as General Provident Fund mentioned at item No. (iii) above is concerned, it has been released to the petitioner. Mr. Tewari, the learned counsel for the petitioner, admits this fact states that payment of this amount has been made to him on 13.5.1987. As regards the remaining amounts, it is contended by the respondents that while the petitioner was working as Store Purchase Officer in the Government Press, Patiala, a case of abnormal shortages amounting to Rs. 5,72,932.48 were found in store and the petitioner being the officer-in-charge of the store in Patiala was required to take full care of these stores in view of the provision contained in rule 15.7 of the Punjab Financial Rules, Volume I Hand Book No. 2, but he did not exercise proper care. Shri Dilbag Singh store-keeper who was responsible for the shortages, has been placed under suspension, and the matter is now pending with the Vigilance Department. Regular Enquiry No. 3 dated 6.5.1986 has been ordered to be conducted. All the record is now in the custody of the Vigilance Department. Therefore, the respondents are not in a position to release the remaining amounts claimed by the petitioner.