A charge memo dated 21.01.1997 was issued to the petitioner under Rule 17 (b) of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Disciplinary and Appeal) Rules and it was served on him on 06.02.1997. On receipt of the charge memo, the petitioner has submitted his written explanation on 19.02.1997 denying the charges. In and by the explanation dated 19.02.1997, the petitioner also sought for copies of certain documents. However, even before the copies of the documents sought for by him were furnished, an enquiry officer was appointed on 12.03.1997 and on 13.03.1997, the petitioner was permitted to peruse the records. Thereafter, the petitioner submitted another representation dated 27.03.1997 seeking further documents, but the same was not furnished to him. The enquiry officer conducted enquiry on 22.04.1997 in which three witnesses were examined. Ultimately, on 30.04.1997, the enquiry officer has submitted his report holding that the charge against the petitioner is not proved. Thereafter, the first respondent in his proceedings dated 19.05.1997 requested the enquiry officer to summon the witnesses mentioned therein to appear once again for an oral enquiry and thereafter to submit his re