Ajit Kumar, J. - (1.) By means of this writ petition, the petitioner is challenging the orders dated 25th January, 2006 passed by the Disciplinary Authority imposing punishment in the nature of major penalty of reverting/ down grading him five steps down in time scale of pay and further ordering recovery for the excess amount he has drawn towards Leave Travel Subsidy bills (hereinafter referred to as 'LTS') and the order of Appellate Authority dated 19th October, 2006 has also been challenged in the writ petition.
(2.) The facts of the case are that the petitioner availed benefit of LTS between 17th May, 1997 to 31st May, 1997 for visiting Rameshwaram from Allahabad and back through M/s Pratap Travels via bus No. U.P. 65 B 3838; between 2nd May, 1998 to 16th May, 1998 for visiting Kanyakumari from Allahabad and back through M/s Pratap Travels via bus No. U.P.65 B-3839; between 18th March, 2000 to 1st April, 2000 for visiting Gandhidham from Allahabad and back through M/s Pratap Travels via bus No. U.P. 70 9381 and between 20th April, 2002 to 04th May, 2002 for visiting Vaishno Devi from Allahabad and back through M/s Pratap Travels via Bolero Jeep No. U.P. 70 T 4545 and thus, he was reimbursed in total Rs.1,08,790/- towards LTS.
(3.) The petitioner was placed under suspension initially vide order dated 3rd January, 2005 in contemplation of an inquiry under Rule 25 of General Insurance (Conduct, Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1975 (hereinafter referred to as 'Rules, 1975') on the charges of misconduct.;