ORDER :

1. The present petition has been preferred against the punishment order dated 22.04.1999 (Annex.28) passed in pursuance to the inquiry report dated 09.07.1997 (Annex.26) whereby the petitioner has been dismissed from services.

2. The petitioner who was working as a Junior Engineer with the respondent-Irrigation Department was preliminary found responsible for some shortage in stock of coal as well as for change in the grade of coal. On basis of preliminary inquiry, he was suspended vide order dated 19.06.1985 and subsequently, charge-sheet dated 19.05.1987 under Rule 16 of the Rajasthan Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1958 (hereinafter referred to as ‘Rules of 1958’) was served on him on 30.07.1987.

3. Three charges were framed against him. Pending enquiry, vide order dated 06.03.1988, pending inquiry the petitioner was reinstated in the services w.e.f. the same date. Meanwhile, the Inquiry Officer was appointed in the matter and after completion of inquiry he submitted the inquiry report dated 09.07.1997 (Annex.26) to the Disciplinary Authority. Vide order dated 22.04.1999, the Disciplinary Authority, after the service of the inquiry report on the p