JUDGMENT :

KRISHNA RAO, J.

1. This appeal is directed against the Judgment dated 17th May, 2018 passed in WP No. 14603 (W) of 2016 (Shri Pranab Kanti Dey vs. WBSEDCL and Others) wherein the Honb’le Single Judge has dismissed the writ petition filed by the appellant and upheld the order passed by the Disciplinary Authority and the Appellate Authority.

2. The appellant was an employee of West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited and was posted as Senior Assistant (A) at Burdwan Electricity Supply Sector-1 from 14th February, 2000 to 5th May, 2001. The appellant was assigned with the duty of meter reading of various places under HO 4, HO 5, GO 4 Zone.

3. On 3rd March, 2001, the Inspector In-charge of Burdwan Police Station on the complaint of one Nabani Dey on the allegation of demand of bribe by the appellant from one consumer, namely Sujit Kumar Mitra to reduce the amount of his energy bill had registered a case against the appellant being G.R.P.S Case No. 19 of 2001 under Section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The appellant was caught red handed while accepting bribe and was arrested.

4. After initiation of criminal proceeding, the Disciplinary Authority had i