JUDGMENT :

N. UNNI KRISHNAN NAIR, J.

Heard Mr. A. K. Bhattacharyya, learned Senior Counsel assisted by Mr. S. Dutta, learned counsel for the petitioner. Also heard Mr. G. Pegu, learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondent no. 1 and Mr. K. Gogoi, learned Standing Counsel for the Higher Education, Assam appearing for the respondents no. 2 to 5.

2. The challenge made in the present proceeding is to an order dated 30.07.2011, by which the disciplinary authority, proceeded to impose the penalty of dismissal from service on the petitioner, herein, basing on the allegations so leveled against her, vide a show-cause notice dated 25.11.2009. The petitioner has also presented a challenge to an order dated 18.01.2012, passed by the appellate authority, rejecting her appeal petition dated 02.11.2011; preferred against the said order dated 30.07.2011.

3. The facts in brief requisite for the purpose of adjudication of the issues, arising in the present proceeding are noticed as under:-

The petitioner, herein, had joined the Electrical Engineering Department, Jorhat Engineering College, Jorhat, as a Lecturer in pursuance to a notification dated 30.09.1983. The petitioner, in the year 1984,