SATHISH NINAN, J.

1. The Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd., its Board of Directors and the Managing Director are in appeal. The first respondent was an employee under the first appellant. While he was working as Assistant Manager (Projects) in the Thiruvananthapuram Dairy, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him levelling the following charges:-

"1. Wilful insubordination and disobediance of the personal direction given by the Chief Executive of the organization and the orders issued by the Controlling Officer.

2. Negligence of work and dereliction of duty in speedy execution of balance pending works at Trivandrum Dairy Project by his unauthorized absenteeism thereby creating difficulties in “C.R.” operating the Bank Account of the site and delay in checking the bill submitted by the civil contractor resulting in suspension of civil works at site, especially during the crucial period when the balance works at Trivandrum Dairy Project are to be completed on priority basis racing against time, so as to inaugurate the Dairy by VVIP as scheduled.

3. Evading the responsibility in taking final measurements for the Civil and ETP works at Trivandrum Dai