1. The petitioner in this Original Petition, who was a postman in the Posts and Telegraphs department from 1961 onwards was dismissed from service under R.19 (i) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965 (for short, the Rules) consequent on his conviction on a criminal charge. The question that arises for consideration is whether the conduct which has led to his conviction should be a conduct in the course of his employment to attract R.19 (i) of the Rules. The petitioner joined the Posts and Telegraphs department as a messenger in the year 1951 and from 1961 onwards he was working as a permanent postman. The 1st respondent Senior Superintendent of Post Offices; Ernakulam Division by Ext. P-1 order dated 1-5-1971 removed the petitioner from service with effect from 30 41971. Ext. P-1 was issued by the 1st respondent in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by R.19 (i) of the Rules because the petitioner was convicted on a criminal charge under S.323, Indian Penal Code. Against Ext P-1 the petitioner filed an appeal on 10-8-1971 to the 2nd respondent-Post Master General, Trivandrum. The petitioner was informed later that the 3rd r