Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned counsel appearing for the respondents.

This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a Writ of Mandamus, declaring the impugned proceedings No.Steno/19(75)/95-SM(O) NZB, dated 13.10.1998 in so far as imposing punishment of reducing the pay of the petitioner by one incremental stage for a period of one year which also have its effect on postponing of future increment, as arbitrary, unjust and in violation of Articles-14, 16 and 21 of the Constitution of India.

The brief facts necessary for considering the writ petition may be stated as follows:

Three villagers of Puppalapally of Nizamabad District lodged a complaint against the petitioner who was working as Conductor in APSRTC stating that on 19.04.1994 while conducting the bus on the route Nizamabad-Keshpalli via Puppalapally, the petitioner failed to operate the bus touching Puppalapally village either in upward or downward journey. Based on the said complaint, the Depot Manager, Nizamabad placed the petitioner under suspension and ordered enquiry against him and issued a charge sheet framing the following charge.