1. This writ petitioner is directed against the order dated 26.2.2002 (Annexure-20), passed by the Government of Bihar in purported exercise of powers under Rule 43(b) of the Bihar Pension Rules, 1950 , whereby the petitioners pension to the extent of 25% per month has been reduced, the entire amount of gratuity has been forfeited, and a sum of Rs. 11,63,549.18 p. has been directed to be recovered from him for the losses caused to the State Government. It is further directed against the consequential order dated 22.3.2002 (Annexure-22) for recovery of the said amount of gratuity. The writ petition is also directed against the order dated 1.4.2004 (Annexure-23), which seeks to substitute the said orders dated 26.2.2002 (Annexure-20), and 22.3.2002 (Annexure-22), the cumulative effect of which is that apart from the said punishment of reduction of pension and forfeiture of the amount of gratuity, the amount of recovery for the losses caused to the Government has been substituted by Rs. 19,76.783 78 P.

2. According to the writ petition, the petitioner was posted at Begusarai as Assistant Commissioner of Commercial Taxes from November 1982 to 19.10.1987. during which period he