Shivaji Pandey, J. – Heard learned counsel for the parties.

2. In this case, the petitioner is challenging the office order contained in Memo No. 2384 dated 29.7.2016 passed by the Secretary-cum-Appellate Authority, Rural Works Department, Bihar, Patna affirming the office order contained in Memo No. 448 dated 25.1.2016, whereby and whereunder, the Engineer-in-Chief-cum-Disciplinary Authority, Rural Works Department, Bihar, Patna has inflicted punishment of removal from service as well as the relief has been sought for commanding the respondents to reinstate the petitioner in service along with full salary including consequential benefits.

3. The petitioner while he was posted as Junior Engineer, Rural Works Department, Work Division Manigachhi, Work Division Darbhanga-2, a trap was conducted on 18.11.2014, he was caught raid handed while taking bribe of Rs. 50,000/- which led to initiation of a Vigilance P.S. Case No. 85 of 2014, he was arrested and put behind the bar, subsequently, he was suspended from service on 19.12.2014 vide Memo No. 4677. After grant of bail and on release from jail on 27.1.2015, he gave his joining in the office of the Executive Engineer, Rural Works Departm