The memo dated 02-09-2006, through which the Superintending Engineer (Operation) Southern Power Distribution Company Limited, Nellore, the 3rd respondent herein, imposed the punishment of reversion to a lower category, and treating the period of absence as dies non; is challenged in this writ petition.

2. The petitioner was initially appointed as Junior Assistant. He was promoted as Senior Assistant (UDC), and thereafter, as Junior Accounts Officer, on 13-07-2004. He was placed under suspension vide memo dated 04-01- 2005, by the 3rd respondent, on the basis of certain news items, alleging financial irregularities on the part of the petitioner. An Inquiry Officer was appointed on 06-01-2005, who, in turn, issued a charge-sheet. The petitioner is alleged to have committed several financial irregularities and the details thereof, were mentioned in the charge-sheet. The petitioner submitted his explanation, and the Inquiry Officer conducted departmental inquiry. The charges framed against the petitioner were held proved. Accepting the report of the Inquiry Officer, the 3rd respondent issued a show cause notice, proposing the punishment, and thereafter, passed the impugned order