Oral Judgment: (A.H. Joshi, J.)

1. Rule. Rule made returnable forthwith and taken up for final hearing with the consent of learned Advocates for the parties.

2. Heard learned Advocate for the petitioner and learned Advocate for the respondent nos.1 and 2.

3. The facts involved in the case are summarized as follows:

a. The petitioner is employed as Junior Engineer with the respondent no.1.

b. While the petitioner was serving at the Distribution Centre at Aurangabad in Chhawani Sub-Division in Division No.1, it is alleged that on 1.3.2011, he demanded and accepted an amount of Rs.5,000/-as bribe and was caught while doing so (red handed) by Police personnel of Anti Corruption Department, Aurangabad.

c. Crime No.3005/2011 under Section 7, 13(1)(d) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered against the petitioner.

d. By communication dated 4.3.2011, the petitioner was kept under suspension in contemplation of the action under Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Employees' Service Regulation No.90 from the date of registration of offence.

e. The petitioner has been served with notice of show cause under Service Regulation No.