- (1.) The respondent P.P. Harith was appointed as a locally recruited Commercial Assistant in the Embassy of India, Riyadh on 31.1.1985 on pay of SAR 1500 per month plus 15 % of the salary as cost of living allowance on purely temporary basis to be terminated at any time without any notice or without assigning any reason.
(2.) On 12.9.1998, a complaint was received from one Dr. Abdullah Shebl of M/s Tathmeer International, Riyadh stating that the respondent had diverted a contract between his company and an Indian firm viz. M/s Deepak Woolens Ltd.,Bombay and convinced him to make a deal with another Indian firm, viz. M/s Pankaj International, Ludhiana. The contract was for supply of 20,000 pieces of blankets to Saudi Coast Guard. The respondent persuaded Dr. Shebl to give the contract to M/s Pankaj International citing that they were the manufacturer of blankets and could supply blankets at a cheaper price, provided a commission of US$ 0.50 per piece was paid to him. He availed a ticket from the businessman to travel India. At the behest of respondent, a deal was made with M/s Pankaj at 9.25 US $ per blanket. Later it was revealed that he was not a manufacturer and unable to make such blankets. The respondent received a sum of SAR.4200/- as part of commission from Dr. Abdullah Shebl. When the Saudi company did not pay him the full commission, he reportedly threatened and blackmailed the Saudi businessman with threats that he will inform the Saudi authorities of the under invoicing done by him.
(3.) The respondent was served a Memorandum on 14.9.1998 seeking his explanation on the charges levelled against him. In his reply he stated that he had not collected any amount from Dr. Abdullah and the air passage to India was offered to him by the Saudi gentleman, which he accepted. He denied the charges of threatening and blackmail. After due consideration of his explanation it was decided to terminate his services w.e.f.23.9.1998 with the approval of the Ambassador.;