This writ petition has been filed challenging the penalty order dated 14.06.2004 passed by the disciplinary authority and order dated 23.08.2004 whereby the appeal preferred by the petitioner has been dismissed.

2. The brief facts of the case are that, the petitioner was initially appointed on 11.06.1978 in the respondent-bank on the post of Cashier and subsequently, he was promoted in the rank of officer on 01.06.1998. A charge - memo was served upon the petitioner and thereafter, a corrigenda was also given to him on 11.02.2004. By order dated 11.08.2003, a departmental proceeding was initiated against the petitioner and the enquiry report was submitted on 16.04.2004. The disciplinary authority passed the order of penalty of dismissal from service on 14.06.2004. The petitioner preferred an appeal which was also dismissed by order dated 23.08.2004. Being aggrieved, the petitioner has approached this Court by filing the present writ petition.

3. A counter-affidavit has been filed in which it has been stated that the charges against the petitioner were very serious and though the petitioner was given an opportunity to defend himself he subsequently, did not appear in the dep