- (1.) This petition challenges order dated 7.4.2003, Annexure P.8, imposing punishment of stoppage of two increments with cumulative effect and also directing that the petitioner will not be paid anything beyond subsistence allowance already paid for the suspension period.
(2.) Case of the petitioner is that he was working as a fitter in the office of Pepsu Road Transport Corporation, respondent No. 1. He was suspended on 27.3.1998 and given charge-sheet. Allegation of embezzlement of brake leather was made against him apart from misbehaviour, negligence and indiscipline. The Enquiry Officer held the charges to be proved. Accordingly, the impugned order was passed. Contention raised in the petition is that stoppage of two increments and non payment of wages beyond subsistence allowance, for the suspension period, amounted to double punishment. Reliance on behalf of the petitioner has been placed on a judgment of this Court dated 10.8.1999 in PRTC V/s. Darshan Singh, RSA No. 1596 of 1999, Annexure P.9.
(3.) In the reply filed, the impugned order has been justified.;