PRADEEP NANDRAJOG, J.

1. The NTPC Conduct, Discipline and Appeal Rules, 1977 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Conduct Rules’) deal with disciplinary matters concerning employees of NTPC. Rules 23, 32 and 33 of Conduct Rules and Schedule of Delegation of Powers in respect of Disciplinary Matters appended thereto are relevant for adjudication of the present appeals, the relevant portion(s) whereof read as under:-

“Rule 23 Penalties

The following penalties may be imposed on an employee as hereinafter provided, for misconduct committed by him or for any other good and sufficient reasons.

Minor Penalties:

(a) Censure;

(b) withholding of increments of pay with or without cumulative effect;

(c) withholding of promotion;

(d) recovery from pay or such other amount as may be due to him, of the whole or any part of any pecuniary loss, caused to the Company by negligence of breach of orders.

Major Penalties

(e) reduction to a lower grade or post, or to a lower stage in a time scale;

(f) removal from service which shall not be a disqualification for future employment;

(g) dismissal.