JUDGMENT

Hemant Gupta, J. - The challenge in the present appeal is to an order passed by the Division Bench of the High Court of Judicature at Madras on 19 th June, 2019 whereby an appeal against the order passed by the learned Single Bench on 9 th January, 2019 was dismissed.

2. The respondent joined as Junior Engineer in the Highways Department of the State on 2 nd February, 1977 and his service was re-designated as Assistant Engineer on 19 th June, 1985. The respondent successfully completed his probation on 14 th November, 1988.

3. A number of disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the respondent while he was working as Assistant Engineer, but on 11 th October, 2002, all the charges were dropped. The proceedings initiated against the respondent vide charge sheet dated 26 th August, 2002 with respect to issue of improper maintenance of accounts for rice and wheat led to the recovery of loss of Rs.30,594/- to the Government in nine installments vide order dated 16 th April, 2003. The said order was challenged by the respondent before the Tamil Nadu Administrative Tribunal. Such order was set aside on 26 th June, 2003.

4. The respondent sought promotion as Assistant Divisi