V.K. JAIN, J.

1. The petitioner, who is presently working as Secretary of Central Wakf Council, was initially appointed to the present position on deputation with effect from 3rd July, 1997 and was absorbed as Secretary with effect from 21st August 2000. The petitioner was also appointed as Administrator of Punjab Wakf Board, in addition to his charge as Secretary, Central Wakf Council. The petitioner handed over charge of Punjab Wakf Board to his successor on 1st October, 2002.

2. Vide show cause notice dated 12th August, 2002, the petitioner was informed that Government of India, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had received a number of complaints against him with respect to irregular appointments and other irregularities in Punjab Wakf Board, and that the Enquiry Officer appointed by the Government to investigate into those complaints had found the lapses, noted at Serial No.1 to 7 in the show cause notice, in the management of Punjab Wakf Board. He was required to show cause as to why disciplinary action be not initiated against him for committing irregularities mentioned in the notice. The petitioner replied to the show cause on 4th September, 2002. It appear