ORDER :

SAMEER JAIN, J.

PREFATORY REMARKS

1. By way of the present petition, a twofold challenge is raised against the orders impugned dated 16.08.2023 and 17.10.2023.

2. It is noted that vide order impugned dated 16.08.2023, the respondent-authorities, more particularly, the General Manager (P&A), Hindustan Salts Limited, imposed a penalty upon the petitioner under Rule 23(d) of the Hindustan/ Sambhar Salts Limited (Conduct, Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018 (hereinafter, Rules of 2018) and consequently directed the reduction of the petitioner’s salary to the extent of 50% with effect from July’2023 until the Ramnagar Unit (Uttarakhand) of the Hindustan/Sambhar Salt Limited could generate enough cash flow to meet out the pecuniary loss accrued to them on account of the petitioner’s purported negligence/actions.

3. Whereas, vide the subsequent order impugned dated 17.10.2023, the General Manager (Operations), compulsorily retired the petitioner from service with effect from 17.01.2024 in exercise of the powers conferred by Rule 30(B) and 30(C) of the Rules of 2018 and FR 56 Rules in public interest.

4. Being aggrieved of the foregoing orders, the petitioner has invoked the jurisdiction