S.K.Katriar, J.

1. This appeal under Clause 10 of the Letters Patent of the High Court of Judicature at Patna raises a grievance with respect to the order dated 9.5.2001, passed by a learned Single Judge of this Court, in C.W.J.C. No.12375 of 1999 (Ranjan Kumar V/s. The Board of Director through its Chairman, Nalanda Gramin Bank, Biharsharif & Others), whereby the writ petition has been dismissed, and the departmental proceeding leading to dismissal from service of the writ petitioner has been upheld. The Bank had placed on record its counter affidavit in the writ proceedings.

2. Ranjan Kumar, the writ petitioner, died during the pendency of the present appeal and has been substituted by his heirs including his widow. We shall describe Ranjan Kumar as the employee.

3. A brief statement of facts essential for the disposal of this appeal may be indicated. The employee had joined the services of the respondent Bank on 17.1.1983, as an officer. He was placed under suspension on 17.2.1995, in contemplation of a departmental proceeding. The charge-sheet incorporating six charges was served on 14.6.1995. He had shown cause before the learned enquiry officer. He had submitted his