1. Heard learned counsel for the parties.

2. These two petitioners have challenged the office orders contained in Memo Nos. 1267 and 1274 dated 2.3.2000 issued by the respondent-Board wherein the petitioners have been awarded (a) stoppage of two annual increments with cumulative effect, (b) debarment from promotion to the higher post for one year when it falls due, (c) permanent withholding of pay and .allowances for the period during which they were under suspension except subsistence allowance and further the period of suspension shall not be counted for the purpose of granting increment, and (d) punishment of censure to be entered into their annual character role for the year 1994-95.

3. These petitioners were working as Operators at the relevant point of time i.e. on 23.2.1995 in night shift Group-B at Patratu Thermal Power Project, Patratu under the respondent-Board and incident occurred in Boiler Drum Unit No.9, which caused loss of generation and consequent financial loses to the tune of rupees one crore to the Board because of closing down of the Unit for several months. These petitioners were proceeded against departmentally and an enquiry report was submitted vide Anne