JUDGMENT :

R. M. Doshit, J.

The petitioner before this court is a retired employee of the State Government. He retired as an Executive Engineer on 31st August, 1995 on reaching the age of superannuation. Before his retirement from service, on 9th May, 1991 a charge sheet was issued upon the petitioner in respect of certain irregularities alleged to have been committed by the petitioner during his tenure of service as Executive Engineer at Bhuj, District-Kutch. The said inquiry was completed after the petitioner retired from service and under order dated 28th February, 1996, the petitioner has been held guilty of some of the charges levelled against him and in view of the guilt proved against him, the petitioner has been visited with the punishment of reduction in pension. Therefore, the petition.

2. The learned advocate Mr.Anjaria has appeared for the petitioner and has contended that pursuant to the charge sheet dated 9th May, 1991, the petitioner had submitted his reply on 3rd December, 1991. After perusal of the reply, the inquiry initiated against the petitioner was dropped and under the order dated 24th July, 1992, suspension of the petitioner was revoked and the petitioner was r