JUDGMENT/ORDER

G.S.KULKARNI, J. - Rule, made returnable forthwith. Respondents waive service. By consent of the parties, heard finally.

2. This petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India depicts an unfortunate case wherein the petitioner, who was working on the post of Associate Professor with respondent no. 1-Institution, has suffered suspension from service, at the hands of respondent no. 1, by a suspension order dtd. 28/11/2022. The suspension is on the ground that the petitioner was in judicial custody on a criminal charge, for a period exceeding 48 hours. The suspension order reads thus:

"SUSPENSION ORDER

Dr. S.D. Nikam, Associate Professor of Accountancy, RNC Arts, JDB Commerce and NSC Science College, Nasik Road is hereby intimated that he shall be deemed to have been placed under suspension w.e.f. 29/11/2022 due to Judicial Custody on a Criminal Charge for a period exceeding 48 hours. Since he is under suspension, no leave can be granted by the College or the Society."

3. The suspension order is stated to be issued under the provisions of the "Statutes" of the University of Pune, which govern the terms and conditions of service of the teachers appointed in the Uni