( 1 ) AN order dated 16-2-2000 passed by 2nd respondent has been challenged in this Writ petition. Notice was issued. Counter has been filed. With the consent of the parties the Writ Petition is disposed of at this stage after hearing them. Rule Nisi.

( 2 ) THE petitioner is a Conductor working in the respondent-Corporation. He was accused of having kept the tickets negligently which were stolen. On the basis of this accusation the following charge was framed against him by charge-sheet dated 6-12-1999:"charge: for having kept the ticket tray No. 059 with blocks in the service bus conducted by you which was halted at ramayampet Bus station and went away to canteen for meals without bothering about its safe custody, which resulted in some unknown persons stolen the running blocks worth of Rs. 15,574/- and fresh block value of Rs. 400/- on 26-11-1999 at about 21. 45 hrs. while performing duty on route Bodhan-Hyderabad via nizamabad - which constitutes misconduct in terms of Reg. 28, sub- clause (ix) (a) of APSRTC Employees (Conduct) Reg. 1963. "he filed an explanation. After considering the explanation he was imposed penalty of rs. 16,258/ -. Rs. 15,574/- is the value