Narayana Kurup, J.

The petitioner entered Government service as Executive Officer on 6.2.1956. During the relevant period she was the Executive Officer of Karumkulam Panchayat.

2. The first respondent, Director of Panchayats forwarded to the Government, letter No. D3/82718/79 dt. 27.9.1980 along with petitions containing allegations against the petitioner which were forwarded to the Vigilance Department, Trivandrum to conduct a detailed enquiry. A detailed enquiry was conducted by an officer of the Vigilance Department. The subject matter of the allegation is that the petitioner while working as Executive Officer of Karumkulam Panchayat misappropriated a total sum of Rs. 8,120/- from the Panchayat funds showing that she had executed 19 road maintenance works and cleaning of 4 wells within her jurisdiction, whereas no such works were executed. The officer of the Vigilance Department, Trivandrum who conducted detailed enquiry submitted a report to the higher authorities for taking further action against the petitioner. The Government decided to take disciplinary action against the petitioner based on the facts disclosed in the detailed enquiry. Hence the following charges w