Heard learned counsel for the parties.

Petitioner has been imposed with a punishment of reduction to the lowest scale of pay of his substantive post and recovery of Rs.80,60,800/- by the impugned order (Annexure-11) dated 15th January, 2013 bearing Memo No. 445(S) issued by Engineer-in-Chief, Road Construction Department, Govt. of Jharkhand, Ranchi, respondent no. 3.

2. Petitioner's appeal has also been rejected by order dated 26th July, 2013 (Annexure-13) passed by Principal Secretary, Road Construction Department, Govt. of Jharkhand, Ranchi, respondent no. 2, during pendency of the writ petition which has also been allowed to be challenged by the order dated 14th August, 2013 passed in I. A. No. 5995 of 2013.

3. The chronology of facts which are material for adjudication of the instant issue are being briefly narrated hereunder:

Petitioner was working in the capacity of Junior Engineer in Road Construction Department and the charges in the departmental proceedings relate to the period of his posting at Road Division, Daltonganj in 2006.

4. As a matter of fact, petitioner was proceeded in two different chargesheets, one under office order no. 17 dated 24th January, 2012 be