- (1.) Delay condoned.
(2.) Special leave granted.
(3.) The respondent, A. Gopalan was employed as Sub-post Master, Kalanjoor, during the period from August 14, 1984 to August 22, 1985. Departmental proceedings were initiated against him on two charges of misconduct. The first charge was that while he was functioning as Sub-post Master, Kalanjoor, on August 21, 1985, he fraudulently if effected a withdrawal of Rs. 8,000/- without the knowledge of the depositor from Savings Bank Account No. 150657 of Kalanjoor so standing in the name of Smt. T.K. Rachamony by himself putting the signature of the depositor on the application for withdrawal and he took the amount himself. The second charge was that while functioning as Sub-post Master, Kalanjoor during the period from August 14, 1984 to August 22, 1985 he failed to account for the amounts of Rs. 379/- and Rs. 799/- realised by him as customs duty from the addressees in respect of hand foreign parcels on August 14, 1984 and August 21. 1984, the dates of delivery of those parcels. An inquiry was conducted into the charges and the inquiry officer found that both the charges were established. The report of the inquiry officer was accepted by thedisciplinary authority who imposed the penalty of dismissal from service on the respondent. On appeal the penalty was reduced to compulsory retirement by the appellate authority.;