Choudhary, J.

1. The petitioner has moved this Court under Article 226, Constitution of India for quashing the order of dismissal passed against him by the Chief Conservator of Forests, Bihar (Opposite Party No. 2) on 20-7-1954.

2. The petitioner was appointed a forester by the Conservator of Forests in the year 1946, and in December, 1950, was placed in charge of Kodalibad Beat with Head quarters at Thalkobad in the Saranda Division of Forests in the District of Singhbhum. On 14-7-1952, the divisional Forest Officer framed certain charges against him and he was called upon to give his explanation with regard to them. He, accordingly, submitted his explanation on 29-4-1952.

In the meantime on 21-4-1952, the Divisional Forest Officer filed a petition of complaint against him and some other persons before the Sub-divisional Officer, Chaibassa, and they were put on trial under Ss. 409 and 120B, Penal Code and Sec.26, Indian Forest Act. On 31-3-1953, the criminal case ended in favour of the petitioner; he was acquitted.

Thereafter, on 27-4-1953, he applied for his reinstatement, whereupon he was informed by the Divisional Forest Officer on 4-5-1953, that the enquiry started on