Ujjal Bhuyan, J.

This case was heard on 01.03.2016 and today is fixed for delivery of judgment. Judgment is accordingly delivered.

2. By filing this petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, petitioner seeks quashing of order dated 29.12.2010 passed by the Commissioner, Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Assam, imposing the penalty of reduction in rank on the petitioner and reinstating the petitioner in the lower post of Junior Assistant. Petitioner further challenges the order dated 28.02.2013 passed by the Principal Secretary to the Government of Assam, Panchayat and Rural Development Department, upholding the penalty order dated 29.12.2010 and rejecting the appeal filed by the petitioner.

3. Case of the petitioner is that while he was serving as Accountant in the Doyangbra Development Block, North-Cachar Hills district, he was placed under suspension. Thereafter, show-cause notice dated 31.10.2009 was issued to the petitioner by the Commissioner, Panchayat and Rural Development, Govt. of Assam, acting as the disciplinary authority und