Judgment

DWIVEDI, J. :- The appellant, Ghanshyam Das Shrivastava, was employed as a Forest Ranger by the State of Madhya Pradesh. By a Government order, dated October 21, 1964 he was put under suspension with effect from October 30, 1964. The Divisional Forest Officer, South Bastar Division, directed him to remain at Jagdalpur during the period of suspension Certain charges were framed against him, and an enquiry was initiated. He did not participate in the enquiry. The enquiry proceeded ex parte. On May 28, 1965 the Enquiry Officer submitted his report to the Government. He found the charges proved. He recommended that the appellant should be dismissed from service. On June 8, 1966, the Government passed an order dismissing him from service. Then he filed a writ petition in the High Court at Jabalpur. The writ petition was dismissed. He filed an appeal in this Court on the strength of a certificate granted by the High Court.

2. In this Court the appellant s main argument was that in the special circumstances of the case he got no opportunity to defend himself before the Enquiry Officer. The place of enquiry was Jagdalpur which is 500 kilometres away from Rewa where he was residing d