DATAR, J. - (1.)In this writ petition the short question that arises for consideration is whether the punishment imposed, withholding increment for a period of two years with cumulative effect is a major punishment or a minor punishment. It arises in this way.
(2.)Petitioner who was working as supervisor in No.4, Sub-Division, No.1, BRC Division, Bhadra Reservoir Project was by the order issued by the State Government on the 16th of November 1968 held to be guilty of the charges (b) and (c) . In the said order the punishment imposed against the petitioner was the withholding of three increments permanently and recovering a sum of Rs. 5,000. It is this order that is assailed in the present writ petition.
(3.)The State Government on the 5th of June 1964 ordered holding of a departmental enquiry and appointed the Superintending Engineer (Designs) as Enquiry Officer under Rule 11(2) of the CCA. Rules. The Enquiry Officer conducted the enquiry and submitted his report. Thereafter the State Government consulted the Public Service Commission and passed an order as stated above.