Amrita Sinha, J. - (1.) The order of the Appellate Authority dated 22nd March, 2011 refusing to interfere with the order of penalty imposed upon the petitioner by the Disciplinary Authority on 23rd November, 2009 is under challenge in the instant writ petition.
(2.) The petitioner was an employee of the Food Corporation of India (FCI for short). He was serving as the Assistant Grade I (Depot). A charge sheet was served upon him on 26th November, 2005 on the ground of gross misconduct or misbehaviour. As many as eight charges were levelled against him. The petitioner was directed to submit his written statement of defence within ten days. He was also requested to state whether he desired to be heard in person. The petitioner was further informed that an enquiry will be held in respect of the charges that are not admitted by him.
(3.) Prior to issuance of the said charge sheet surprise inspections were conducted by the Vigilance squad in the hired godown at Jorethang (Sikkim) which was under the District Manager, Food Corporation of India, Gangtok on diverse dates. The petitioner was the unit-in-charge of the said godown. Huge scale misappropriation/shortage of stock was detected.;