1. This petition has been filed by the petitioner assailing validity and correctness of order dated 29/11/2001 passed in appeal affirming the order of penalty of removal from service imposed upon the petitioner by the Disciplinary Authority vide order dated 07/07/2000.

2. quintessential facts for adjudication of controversy involved in this petition are:-

2.1 During the period, petitioner was posted and working as Technical Assistant, Grade-I in the office of respondents at Basna Depot, on an allegation of misconduct, charge sheet was issued to the petitioner and a departmental inquiry was instituted against him by issuance of the charge sheet dated 06/08/1998. As many as five charges were levelled against the petitioner. Petitioner submitted his reply to the charge sheet, which was not found satisfactory and the Disciplinary Authority proceeded to appoint Inquiry Officer. The Inquiry Officer held departmental inquiry, in which, employer produced as many as 9 prosecution witnesses and 15 documents. Thereafter, the petitioner was granted opportunity to lead defence. In addition to documentary evidence relied upon by the petitioner, the petitioner in rebuttal of the charges, exa