JUDGMENT :

Heard Mr. Ravi Ranjan, learned counsel for the petitioner and Ms. Namrita Singh, learned counsel for the State.

2. By filing the present writ application, the petitioner seeks a direction upon the respondent for payment of his gratuity withheld by respondent no. 5 on the ground of a criminal case being pending against him. He further seeks for setting aside the endorsement dated 08.07.2019 made by the District Programme Officer (Establishment), Sitamarhi whereby a direction has been given to take action for payment of gratuity after disposal of the criminal case pending against the petitioner.

3. The short facts, which led to the filing of the present writ application is that the petitioner was appointed as an Assistant Teacher on 14.08.1984 and after serving for more than 34 years he superannuated from the post of Head Master, Middle School Hardia, Pupri Sitamarhi on 30.11.2018.

4. It is contended that some how and the other one criminal case bearing Pupri P. S. Case No. 84 of 2014 was registered on account of charges of some irregularities in the distribution of mid-day-meal and the same is still pending against the petitioner. It is next submitted that with regard to the