The final order passed by the disciplinary authority as confirmed by the Government in revision, is under challenge in this writ petition.

2. The petitioner was the Headmistress of AUP School, Panangattiry, Palakkad District. By Ext.P1, the Asst. Educational Officer granted permission to extend the period of suspension of the petitioner pending the disciplinary action. The short facts leading to the dispute are the following:

3. The petitioner had availed leave from 13.9.2004 to 19.9.2004 and rejoined for duty on 20.9.2004. During the period of leave she had entrusted all the charges of her office of the seniormost teacher by name Smt. Santhakumari. In her absence there was discontinuation of noon feeding to the students. The allegation appears to be that petitioner did not lift sufficient quantity of foodstuff from the Maveli Store concerned and had also misappropriated certain quantity of rice and green gram. The Asst. Educational Officer had conducted the enquiry and Ext.P2 is the order passed by the Manager confirming the punishment proposed. A punishment of permanent reduction of rank to the category of Assistant Teacher was imposed. This was confirmed in revision b