Though W.P.M.P.Nos.20758 to 20760 of 2002 are listed, by consent of the respective learned counsel, the main writ petition itself is taken up for hearing and disposal.

2. The petitioner has challenged the order of suspension dated 7.12.93 passed by the General Manager(F&A), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd., the third respondent, as confirmed by the order dated 30.5.2001 passed by the Chief Manager(P&A), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd., the second respondent. The main grounds of attack on the orders of suspension as put forth by Mr.P.V.S.Giridhar, learned counsel for the petitioner are as follows. (1) The order of suspension was dated 7.12.93. The prolonged suspension is bad in the eye of law, as the petitioner is kept under suspension for over a period of nearly 10 years, without there being any disciplinary proceedings conducted nor the criminal proceedings initiated had come to an end. (2) The respondents are not empowered to place the petitioner under suspension under Regulation 33 of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (Conduct, Discipline and Appeal) Regulations, 1976, inasmuch as on the date of suspension, neither disciplinary proceedings was contemplated nor