AMARESHWAR SAHAY,J. - (1.) HEARD the counsel for the parties.
(2.) IN this Writ Petition, the petitioner, who was a Junior Engineer at the relevant time, has challenged the Order dated 28.4.2005 (Annexure -6) issued by the Additional Secretary, Water Resources Department, Jharkhand -Respondent No. 3 awarding punishment of recovery of Rs. 6.50 Lakhs from his salary and if the entire amount is not recovered during his service period, then the balance amount be recovered from his retiral benefits after his retirement. The petitioner was further awarded the punishment of stopping of two increments with cumulative effects. The facts in short are that in December 1989 the petitioner was transferred from the Works Division, Birpur to Minor Distribution Division, Balua. Accordingly, the petitioner gave his joining on 30th April, .1990 at the transferred place. In the year 1994, he was transferred to Dalbhum, Jamshedpur.
(3.) ON 25.5.1998, the petitioner received a letter as contained in Annexure -1 under the signature of the Special Secretary, Water Resources Department, Government of Bihar that while he was posted at Birpur in the year 1997, he was In charge of Koshi Canal Division, Bhimnagar alongwith yard and Godown. It was alleged that during inspection, it was found that iron rods worth Rs.10 Lacs, were illegally removed from the Godowns, therefore, the petitioner was asked to submit his reply.;