G. Ramanujam, J.

1. The appellant herein who was working as Head Assistant, Taluk Office, Tiruchendur from 24th February, 1973 to 10th August, 1973, was alleged to have demanded a bribe of Rs. 100 from one Meerathambi of Kayalpatnam on 9th August, 1973 at Tiruchendur for issuing a solvency certificate in the name of the mother of Meerathambi and accepted the Bribe amount of Rs. 100 from Meerathambi on 10th August, 1973 and it was proposed to initiate proceedings against him under Sections 5(1)(a) and 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. He was also arrested by the Police on 10th August, 1973. Taking note of his arrest by the police for charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, he was temporarily suspended from service. Later the proceedings under the Prevention of Corruption Act were dropped as a result of which the appellant was restored to duty on 2nd September, 1974.

2. However, the Department initiated the disciplinary proceedings in relation to the same allegation of acceptance of bribe by the appellant from Meerathambi on 10th August, 1973 and a charge memo. was issued to the appellant on 14th November, 1974, wherein he was asked to give his explanation