JUDGMENT :

1. Heard Swati B. Baruah (TG), learned counsel appearing for the petitioner. I have also heard Ms. S. Baruah, learned CGC appearing for the respondents.

2. The writ petitioner, while serving as a Constable (GD), in the Railway Protection Force (RPF), was removed from service by the impugned order dated 24-03-2020 passed by the respondent No. 4 without holding any departmental enquiry or giving him any opportunity of being heard. By the order dated 08-09-2020, the appellate authority had rejected the appeal filed by the petitioner and the revisional authority had also confirmed the order of the disciplinary authority as well as the appellate authority by the order dated 09-12-2020. Hence, this writ petition.

3. The facts of the case, briefly stated, are to the effect that pursuant to a selection process, the petitioner was appointed as Constable (GD) in the RPF. While discharging his duties at the Dibrugarh Railway Station premises, the petitioner, along with his colleague CT/ Arun Sharma and one Ashif Khan, were allegedly caught red handed while having possession of about