RAMNATH PRASAD Vs. THE STATE OF BIHAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and the State.

(2.) The petitioner is aggrieved by the order of punishment dated 10.10.2007 visiting him with stoppage of one increment and that nothing beyond subsistence allowance was payable for the period of suspension.

(3.) The petitioner was issued a show cause and placed under suspension on 25.7.2007* on the ground that the District Magistrate, Nalanda inspected the Attendance Register of the Headquarters at 9:35 A.M. The petitioner was unauthorisedly absent indicative of his lack of sense of discipline and negligent attitude. He was required to file his show cause before the Circle Officer. The petitioner replied that he had proceeded to Biharsharif at 8:30 A.M. for delivery of certain important Government letters. He produced the acknowledgement from the concerned authority with regard to the aforesaid letters of that date. The Circle Officer opined that his explanation was fully acceptable. The District Magistrate then proceeded to pass the impugned order holding that the petitioner should have first come to the Head-quarters, marked attendance and then proceed to Biharsharif.