JUDGMENT:

G.P. Mathur, J.

1. Leave granted.

2. These appeals, by special leave, have been preferred against the judgment and order dated 1.4.2003 of Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court, by which two writ petitions filed by the respondent L.P. Rai were disposed of.

3. The respondent L.P. Rai was posted as Senior Manager, VINCO, in July 1989. He was issued a charge sheet on 2.11.1989 containing 8 charges. He submitted a reply to the charges levelled against him. The enquiry officer, after consideration of the material on record, submitted his report to the disciplinary authority. A show cause notice was then issued to the respondent on 7.12.1990. The disciplinary authority by his order dated 8.2.1991 held the respondent guilty of certain charges and imposed punishment of recovery of Rs. 42,214.57 from his salary, stoppage of one increment with cumulative effect and an adverse entry in his character roll. It was further directed that during the period of his suspension, the respondent would only be entitled to the suspension allowance which had already been paid to him.

4. The respondent filed Writ Petitions No.2748 (SB) of 1993 challenging the order of punishment. He had also filed Wr