JUDGMENT :

1. Heard Mr. Krishna Murari, learned counsel for the petitioner and Ms. Ruchi Rampuria, learned counsel for the respondents-State.

2. This writ petition has been heard through Video Conferencing in view of the guidelines of the High Court taking into account the situation arising due to COVID-19 pandemic. None of the parties have complained about any technical snag of audio-video and with their consent this matter has been heard.

3. The petitioner has preferred this writ petition for quashing the punishment order dated 06.10.2015 and the consequential order of recovery dated 28.01.2019 contained in Annexure-11 series. Further prayer is made for consequential benefits.

4. The petitioner was initially appointed as Assistant Engineer under the Public Works Department (now Road Construction Department) in the cadre of Bihar Engineering Service. The petitioner was continuing on that post in the United State of Bihar and after bifurcation of State of Bihar, the petitioner’s cadre was allocated to the State of Jharkhand under Class-II Engineering Service of Road Construction Department. The petitioner was posted as Assistant Engineer, Road Sub Division, Littipara under Road Divisio