- (1.) We have heard Shri Indra Raj Singh, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner. Learned Standing Counsel appears for the State respondents.
(2.) The petitioner, serving as District Inspector of Schools, Jaunpur, was placed under suspension on 30.4.1997. A departmental enquiry was initiated against him in which the Joint Director of Education, Azamgarh Region, Azamgarh was appointed as Enquiry Officer. During the pendency of the departmental enquiry, the petitioner retired on attaining the age of superannuation on 31.1.1998. The departmental enquiry was allowed to continue under Article 351-A of the Civil Services Regulations. In the enquiry report dated 24.7.1999, charge nos. 1 and 2 alleging approval of irregular appointments made by the petitioner, were found proved, causing financial loss to the State Government.
(3.) By this writ petition, the petitioner is challenging an order dated 19.6.2002, by which the State Government has, after holding the petitioner guilty of financial loss of Rs. 86, 40, 000/- caused to the State Government on account of payment of salaries of twenty four employees from January, 2000, at the rate of Rs. 5000/- per month for six years, forfeited the entire gratuity; proposed deduction of 50% pension and recovery of the entire loss.;