AMRESHWAR PRATAP SAHI,J. - (1.) Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Standing Counsel for the respondents.
(2.) This writ petition questions the punishment imposed on the petitioner vide order dated 30th November, 2009 whereby after having found the petitioner to be guilty of the charges framed against him, a direction has been issued for forfeiting the entire amount of gratuity payable to the petitioner. It is to be noted that this punishment order came to be passed after the respondents had decided to proceed with the disciplinary proceeding against the petitioner upon his retirement under Civil Services Regulations 351-A.
(3.) The charge of misconduct against the petitioner was that he had allegedly facilitated over-payments to the tune of Rs. 1,19,758.00/- by carrying out excess measurement in respect of 'boulder pitching' work executed by a contractor for the irrigation department that was thwarted by a timely intervention of the superior authorities.;