( 1 ) THESE two writ petitions arise out of a joint disciplinary proceedings instituted against the petitioners, who were Head Constables in the Police department in the District of Coorg.

( 2 ) AS common questions of law and fact arise for consideration, they are being disposed of by this common order.

( 3 ) BY order dt. 12. 8. 1975 (Ex.-D in W. P. 1546/77) of the Superintendent of Police, a joint diepartmental inquiry was instituted against the two head constables and another constable. The charges framed against them were as follows: (I) Charges against the petitioner in W. P. 1546/77: (1) Gross neglect of duty in allowing car MYM 8670 illegally carrying 560 Kgs of boiled rice to go towards kerala through Thokkotu Food Check post on 28. 2. 1975 without checking the same. (2) Gross neglect of duty in allowing car No MYM 8670 and car MYG 5041 to pass through the Food Check post without checking. (3) Neglect of duty in failing to report the non-checking of cars MYM 8670 and MYG 5041 and their passing through the Thokkotu Check Post at 8-30 P. M. on 28. 2. 1975 without checking. (ii) Charges against the petitioner in W. P. 1611/77: (1) Gross neglect of duty in allowi