ORDER

1. We have heard both the learned counsel. The High Court held on the strength of the Division Bench decision in Sarvan Singh v. State of Punjab,AIR 196S AP 194 that Slopping of increments with cumulative effect was a minor penalty and disposed of second appeal on that ground.

2. It has been brought to our notice that in a recent judgment in the case of Kulwant Singh Gill v. State of Punjab{ILR (1985) 2 P&H 1930}, this Court has taken a different view and overruled the decision in Sanvan Singh case{AIR 1968 AP 194}. Consequently, the punishment sought to be imposed on the petitioner was not a minor penalty but a major one, and an enquiry should have been held in terms of Regulations 8 and 9 of the Punjab Civil Services Rules. In the circumstances, we set aside the order of the High Court and remand the matter to the High Court for being disposed of afresh in the light of this Courts decision. We have no doubt that as the matter is an old one, the High Court will dispose of the matter as expeditiously as possible. The appeal is disposed of accordingly. There will be no order as to costs.

For Citation: 1995 Supp(4) SCC 433