Judgment

RANGANATH MISRA, J. : - This appeal by special leave assails the Award dated June 13, 1980, passed by the Presiding Officer, Labour Court, Delhi. The following question was referred for adjudication :

"Whether the termination of services of Shri Kamal Kishore Lakshman is illegal and/or unjustified; and if so, to what relief is he entitled and what directions are necessary in this respect?"

2. The appellant was employed by respondent No. 1 on regular vacancy as a Cargo Mail Service Representative at Palam Airport. His services were terminated on March 15, 1974. The appellant maintains that the termination was bad and contrary to principles of natural justice and demanded reinstatement with full back wages and other service benefits. The management resisted this claim and contended that the appellant while on leave in February 1974 had gone to Hong Kong and returned to Delhi in Flight No. PA-1 in the morning of February 22, 1974. During his absence from India, two aluminium foot lockers had been received on February 19, 1974. Those lookers were not meant for New Delhi and had been deposited with the Customs authorities and were taken from Customs custody for being despatched to