( 1 ) THE entire emphasis in this writ petition is on the proposition that the punishment of removal from service was disproportionate to the misconduct alleged against the petitioner, and it is prayed that respondent No. 1 be directed to reinstate the petitioner in service with seniority, back wages and attendant benefits.

( 2 ) THE charges levelled against the petitioner were as follows: (A) That you have violated the rule issue and start which is a misconduct under Regulation 28 (xxxi) of APSRTC employees Conduct Regulations 1963. (B) That you have reissued tickets bearing nos. 242/637024 to 637027 of Rs. 1. 50 denomination to four passengers who boarded the bus at Jammalamadugu and found alighting at Torrivemula ex-stage Nos. 1 to 4, which were already sold out and accounted at stage No. 4 (in down journey) which constitutes misconduct under Regulation 28 (xxxii) of APSRTC Employees Conduct regulations 1963. (C) For having closed the tray numbers of all denominations upto stage No. 4 without completing the above ticket issues, which is a misconduct under regulation 28 (xxxi) of APSRTC employees Conduct Regulations, 1963.

( 3 ) THE learned Counsel for the petit