The writ petition is directed against the order of the first respondent dated 15. 1999 by which the petitioner was removed from service, as confirmed by the second respondent in the order dated 30.11.1999 and to consequently direct the respondents to reinstate the petitioner with continuity of service and all consequential wages and benefits.

1. The petitioner has joined in the respondents/Electricity Board on 110. 1967 as a temporary casual labour and by various promotions, he was ultimately promoted as Assistant Executive Engineer and posted at Mettur Dam. He was placed under suspension on 312. 1996 and a charge memo was issued against him on 22. 1997, framing five charges which are as follows:

"Charge No.1:- Thiru L. Manickavasagam, Assistant Executive Engineer while he was working at South Arasaradi has demanded and accepted a sum of Rs.500/- (Rupees Five hundred only) from Dr.G.Marimuthu of Madurai Kamaraj University when the latter applied for service connection to his newly constructed house during December 1995 situated at Palkalainagar area in R.S.No.3 and 3/2-A. The above act of Thiru L. Manickavasagam, Assistant Executive Engineer shows his corrupt practice whi