1. Heard Mr.K.Thennan, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, Ms.S.Anitha, the learned Government Advocate appearing on behalf of the respondent.

2. The brief facts of the case are as follows:

The petitioner was serving as Assistant Treasury Officer, Sub-Treasury, Coimbatore, at the time of his retirement, on 312. 1995, on his attaining the age of superannuation. He was allowed to retire from service without prejudice to the disciplinary action pending against him, in view of G.O.(2D) No.51, Finance (Treasuries and Accounts I), dated 212. 1995. The disciplinary action had been initiated based on certain charges framed against the petitioner for alleged irregularities noticed by the special audit party of the Director of Treasuries and Accounts, Madras, under Rule 17(a) of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (C.C.A.) Rules, while the petitioner was acting as Superintendent Grade II at the office of the Regional Deputy Director of Treasuries and Accounts, Coimbatore.

3. The petitioner had submitted his explanation to the charges. Even though an enquiry had been conducted, belatedly, it was finally found that the charges against the petitioner had not been proved. T