ANEES FATHIMA SAJIDAH Vs. REGISTRAR MANAGEMENT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. Sumanth Ravuri, learned counsel representing Mr. Bathula Raj Kiran, learned counsel for respondent No.1.

(2.) In this writ petition, the petitioner has assailed the validity of the order dtd. 29/8/2006 passed by the disciplinary authority (respondent No.2), by which the punishment of dismissal from service was imposed on her. The petitioner has also assailed the validity of the order dtd. 19/5/2007 passed by the appellate authority (respondent No.1), by which the appeal preferred by her has been dismissed.

(3.) Facts giving rise to filing of this writ petition briefly stated are that the petitioner at the relevant time was working as Head Clerk in the Family Court, Hyderabad. On 26/4/2003 at 12 noon, the petitioner was caught red-handed by Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) authorities, while accepting an illegal gratification of Rs.300.00 from one Sri T.Sunil Raj, Advocate, for showing an official favour of not raising any objection to register the divorce petition filed vide S.R.No.4184 of 2003 dtd. 21/4/2003. On receipt of report from the Judge, Family Court, Hyderabad, the petitioner was placed under suspension vide order dtd. 28/4/2003. Thereafter, a departmental enquiry was initiated against the petitioner under Rule 20 of Andhra Pradesh Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1991 (briefly 'the Rules' hereinafter). A chargesheet dtd. 11/12/2003 was served on the petitioner. The petitioner filed an application on 20/9/2004 seeking copies of documents to file written statement of defence. The aforesaid documents were supplied to the petitioner and she was granted time till 7/10/2004 to file written statement.