JUDGMENT

Mr.A D Vijaya, learned counsel for the petitioner.

Mr.Vijaykumar, learned counsel M/s Bajentri Assts. For caveator respondent No.1.

Smt.Shilpa S. Gogi, learned High Court Government Pleader for respondent Nos.2 and 3.

2. The petition is admitted for hearing. With consent of the learned counsel for the parties, the same is heard finally.

3. In this petition under Article 227 of the Constitution of India, the petitioner has assailed the validity of the order dated 22.11.2017 passed by the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal (hereinafter referred to as the Tribunal for short), by which the original application preferred by the respondent No.1 has been allowed and the order dated 17.04.2013 passed by the petitioner herein and the article of charges dated 19.06.2013 are quashed. In order to appreciate petitioners challenge to the impugned order, few facts need mention, which are stated infra:

4. Respondent No.1, at the relevant time was working as Joint Director of Agriculture, Raichur. A complaint was lodged against respondent No.1 before the Lokayukta Police on the allegation that he had demanded a sum of Rs.6,778/- as bribe for payment of charges for printing and binding