NAVJIT SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioner herein, inter alia, seeks quashing of order dated 08.11.2011(Annexure P-7) vide which he was dismissed from service as Lineman, on account of his conviction under Section 498-A IPC. A direction has been sought for his reinstatement into service with continuity of service and other admissible benefits.

(2.) Brief facts are that the petitioner was appointed as Lineman on 20.05.1992 with erstwhile Punjab State Electricity Board(for short, PSEB). Petitioner was absorbed in Punjab State Power Corporation Limited(for brevity, Corporation)(successor in interest of PSEB). It is stated that due to disturbance in his matrimonial life, there were multiple litigations going on. His wife filed a complaint for the offences under Sections 406 and 498-A IPC against husband and parents-in-law in the Court. Father-in-law died during pendency of the proceedings.

(3.) Trial in the case culminated into conviction of the petitioner and his mother under Sections 406 and 498-A IPC and they were awarded sentence of one year under both the heads vide judgment dated 02.08.2005 (Annexure P-1). Their conviction was maintained by the Appellate Court vide judgment dated 28.07.2011(Annexure P-2) as well as by this Court, except for reduction in period of sentence, which was reduced to the period already undergone qua his mother and nine months in respect of the petitioner vide judgment dated 22.12.2011(Annexure P-3). In the meanwhile, the respondent Corporation dismissed the petitioner from service vide impugned order dated 08.11.2011(Annexure P-7) It is stated that later a compromise dated 28.12.2011(Annexure P-4 colly.) was effected between the parties. In the light of compromise, the petitioner was granted the benefit of provisions of Section 360 Cr.P.C. and he was released on probation by Hon'ble the Apex Court vide order dated 24.02.2012 (Annexure P-8).