JUDGMENT :

INDIRA BANERJEE, J.

1. Leave granted.

2. The appeal is against a judgment and order dated 24.07.2017 of the Delhi High Court, allowing Writ Petition (Civil) No. 5977 of 2016 filed by the respondent, and setting aside the order dated 29.02.2016 passed by the Principal Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal at New Delhi, whereby the learned Tribunal had allowed Original Application (O.A.) No.3381 of 2013 filed by the appellant challenging an order dated 6.1.2000 removing the appellant from the service of the respondent.

3. The appellant was appointed by the respondent as Bearer on 09.02.1972 and was promoted to the post of Steward on 15.10.1987. He was elected as an executive member of the Cooperative Society known as AIIMS Cooperative, Thrift and Credit Society, hereinafter referred to as “Cooperative Society”, run by the respondent, and became its treasurer.

4. On or about 5.3.1991, a First Information Report being FIR No.91 of 1991 under Sections 406/420/ 468/471/477A/120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), hereinafter referred to as the first FIR, was registered against the appellant at the Defence Colony Police Station at New Delhi, allegedly for causing loss to the tun