1. These two Writ Petitions raise the interpretation of R.3 of the Kerala Service Rules, Note (2) thereof and Ruling No. 3 under Note (2). Although the judgment in these two cases was dictated on 171977, I felt the matter needed reconsideration and I directed the cases to be posted as 'spoken to' and heard the counsel on both sides again.

2. Since O.P. No. 5080 of 1975 has become infructuous, I shall state the facts in O.P. No. 294 of 1977. The prayer in this original petition is to quash Exts. P2, P5, P6 and P8.

3. The petitioner retired as Assistant Conservator of Forests on 4 31971. Sanction was given for the grant of pension and Death-cum-Retirement gratuity by the Government as per its order dated 10121970.

4. After retirement disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the petitioner under R.16 of the Kerala Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal Rules, 1960 A show cause notice was issued on 15 7 1971. It was stated therein that while the petitioner was working as a Ranger in Nadu-vathumoozhi Range during 1967, he committed irregularities and spent an excess amount of Rs. 10,343.07 from the Government fund and caused loss to the Government. The explan