N.K.Mehrotra, J. - (1.) This writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution has been filed for quashing the impugned order dated 20.12.2001 (Annexure-12 to the writ petition) passed by respondent No. 2, order dated 16.5.2002 passed by respondent No. 1 and for issuing a writ of mandamus restraining the respondents from recovering any amount from the petitioner.
(2.) We have heard learned counsel for the petitioner at length at the admission stage.
(3.) The petitioner was Senior Warehouse Superintendent. He remained in-charge of several godowns. He used to look after those godowns through godown keepers. The responsibility of the Senior Warehouse Superintendent and godown keepers are laid down in the order dated 1.5.1978 issued by the Managing Director, U. P. State Warehousing Corporation. During his tenure as Senior Warehouse Superintendent/ Warehouse-in-charge, Ghazipur, it was found that there was some shortage in the stock of food grains in the godowns, which were in his charge. Consequently, a charge-sheet was served upon him on 16/17th March, 1998. In the charge-sheet, the petitioner was held responsible for the loss which has been caused to the godown. Admittedly, full opportunity of hearing was given to the petitioner in the regular enquiry.;