- (1.) Learned counsel for the parties have been heard at length.
(2.) The petitioner who retired on 31.3.2002 from the post of Forest Ranger has filed the present petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India impugning the order dated 27.7.2001, Annexure P7, passed by the Principal, Chief Conservator of Forest Punjab, whereby the punishment of reduction in the basic pay by three stages and recovery of Rs 40,045/- on account of the loss suffered by the Punjab State Forest Development Corporation Ltd. (hereinafter to be referred as 'the Corporation') has been imposed upon him. Further challenge is to the order dated 15.2.2002, Annexure P11, whereby the appeal preferred by the petitioner against the order passed by the Punishing Authority has been rejected by the State Government.
(3.) The petitioner joined service with the Punjab Forest Department on the post of Forester on 30.7.1970. Thereafter, he was promoted as Deputy Ranger on 16.5.1978 and further promoted to the post of Forest Ranger with effect from 8.5.1984. The petitioner retired on 31.3.2002 having attained the age of super-annuation. While holding the post of Forest Ranger/Range Officer, the petitioner was sent on deputation to the Corporation on 20.8.1987 as a Project Officer. The petitioner remained on deputation with the Corporation upto 20.8.1992 whereupon he was repatriated to his parent Department i. e. the Department of Forest, State of Punjab. ;