JUDGMENT :

MANISH CHOUDHURY, J.:— Heard Ms. V. Suokhrie, learned State counsel for the appellants and Mr. A. Zho, learned counsel appearing for the sole respondent.

2. These two writ appeals are preferred against the common judgment and order dated 19.3.2019 passed by the learned Single Judge in WP(C) No. 184(K)/2018 and WP(C) No. 185(K)/2018. By the said common judgment and order dated 19.3.2019, the learned Single Judge has set aside the orders, both dated 6.10.2017, passed by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, whereby, the petitioners therein, i.e., the respondents herein were placed under suspension with immediate effect in exercise of powers conferred under rule 6(1)(a) of the Nagaland Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1967 (‘the Rules of 1967’).

3. The background facts, in brief, leading to the institution of the writ petitions are stated hereunder:

(i) The respondent in WA No. 5/2019, i.e., the petitioner in WP(C) No. 184 (K)/2018, was serving as a Joint Director in the Department of School Education, Nagaland, Kohima. While the respondent was so serving, he was given additional charge to look after the project of Inclusive Education of Disabled Students at