JUDGMENT :

I.A. No. 1046 of 2021

This Interlocutory Application has been filed for condoning the delay of 85 days, which has occurred in preferring this appeal.

2. Heard learned counsel appearing for the parties.

3. Having regard to the averments made in this application, we are of the view that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from preferring the appeal within the period of limitation.

4. Accordingly, I.A. No. 1046 of 2021 is allowed and delay of 85 days in preferring the appeal is condoned.

L.P.A. No. 93 of 2020

5. The instant intra-court appeal under Clause 10 of the Letters Patent is preferred against the order/judgment dated 14.10.2019 passed in W.P.(S) No. 2475 of 2017 whereby and whereunder the writ petition was dismissed refusing interference with the order of punishment.

6. The brief facts of the lis which is required to be enumerated read as hereunder:

The writ petitioner was initially appointed in the year 1988 as Unskilled Khalasi and subsequently promoted to the post of Correspondence Clerk in the year 1993. While discharging his duties, the petitioner was served with a letter as contained in Memo No. 3695 dated 02.09.2009 informing the petitioner that the Board