JUDGMENT:

Indu Malhotra, J.

Delay condoned. Leave granted.

1. The short issue which arises for consideration is whether the State of Bihar was justified in withholding 10% pension and full gratuity of the Appellant under Circulars dated 22.08.1974 and 31.10.194, and Government Resolution dated 31.07.1980, on the ground of pending criminal proceedings?

2. The Appellant was appointed to the post of Touring Veterinary Officer (TVO) at Pawana, Bihar by the Respondent-State. While the Appellant was in active service, he was made an accused in the Fodder Scam lodged by the CBI in RC Case No. 48A/1996 wherein a Charge-Sheet was filed against him on 21.11.2003. The Special Judge, CBI, Animal Husbandry took cognizance in the criminal case. The Appellant was placed under suspension on 31.05.2002 under Rule 49(a) of the Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1930, which were in force prior to the enforcement of the Bihar Government Servant (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 2005. The Appellant continued to remain under suspension till he attained the age of superannuation on 31.03.2008.

3. On attaining the age of superannuation, the State Government vide Order dated 17.09.