V.K. Tahilramani, J.

Rule. Rule made returnable forthwith. Heard finally, by consent of the parties.

2. Heard Mr. Murthy, learned counsel for the Petitioner, and Mrs. Masurkar, learned counsel for the Respondent-UOI.

3. The Petitioner has preferred this Petition against the order dated 13th January 2012 passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal, Mumbai, in O.A. No.336 of 2002 preferred by the Petitioner.

4. In the said O.A. No.336 of 2002, the Petitioner had impugned the order dated 24th November 1998 passed by Respondent No.2 rejecting his appeal against the order of his removal from service. By order dated 13th January 2012, the Tribunal has dismissed O.A. No.336 of 2002 preferred by the Petitioner; hence, this Petition.

5. The Petitioner was initially appointed in Naval Dockyard as a 'Casual Labour' in 1975. He was confirmed as 'Permanent Labour' on 7th December 1980. While the Petitioner was working in Naval Dockyard, he was proceeded against for unauthorised absence and was removed from service vide order dated 18th February 1998. This order of removal was challenged by the Petitioner by filing an Appeal dated 20th March 1998. The said Appeal was rejected by the Appel