JUDGMENT

V.N. Khare, J.-In the year 1974-75, the respondent herein was posted as Forest Range Officer in Majhgawan Range, Forest Circle Satna, (M.P.) when he was alleged to have committed certain acts of misconduct. Consequently, in the year 1976 a preliminary inquiry was initiated to inquire into the allegations against the respondent. On 7th April, 1977, the respondent was promoted as Assistant Conservator of Forest, while the preliminary inquiry was in progress. A charge-sheet was issued on 12.7.1982, and served upon the respondent, who was required to submit his explanation thereto. The charges contained in the Charge-sheet related to the year 1974-75 when the respondent was posted as Forest Range Officer in Majhgawan Range, District Satna (M.P.). After due inquiry, the State Government by an order dated 26th September, 1986, inflicted penalty on the respondent by withholding his two increments. The respondent appealed against the said order. During the pendency of the said appeal, the respondent filed Original Application before the Madhya Pradesh Administrative Tribunal (for short "the Tribunal") for setting aside the order dated 26th September, 1986 whereby his two incremen