(1.) The petitioner, who was working under the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (hereinafter referred to as "TWAD Board), was deputed to the Power Pumps Maintenance Cell, Collectorate at Dharmapuri Circle and was working as an Assistant Executive Engineer from 7.6.1989 till he was repatriated to the TWAD Board on 10.7.1992. when he was about to retire on superannuation on 30.9.2001, a charge memo dated 26.9.2001 was served by the TWAD Board on the petitioner with respect to certain serious irregularities said to have been committed by the petitioner when he was working in the Power Pumps Maintenance Cell at Dharmapuri Collectorate. However, by proceedings dated 27.9.2001, the petitioner was permitted to retire from TWAD Board on 30.09.2001 a.n. after attaining the age of superannuation, but without prejudice to the disciplinary action initiated against the petitioner.
(2.) The charge levelled against the petitioner is related to the purchase of materials, viz., pipe line, power pump pipe and other repairing materials from the firms, which are not approved by the department. Alleging that the department had incurred a loss to the tune of Rs.37,054/- due to the above irregularities said to have been committed by the petitioner in violation to the instructions of the Collector, Dharmapurai, the charge memo dated 26.9.2001 was served on the petitioner. In that regard, a criminal action was also initiated against the petitioner by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Vigilance and Anti Corruption, Dharmapuri, on 6.12.2002.
(3.) Immediately, after the receipt of the order dated 27.9.2001, the petitioner by his representation dated 3.10.2001, admitted his charge and gave consent to recover the abovesaid amount, viz., Rs.37,054/- from his death-cum-retirement gratuity and the petitioner also expressed his option that he did not propose to have any personal enquiry into the said charge. The petitioner also requested that the said admission of the charge may be finalised and final orders may be passed in the matter.