1. The petitioner is the second respondent before the Co-operative Tribunal, Tiruchirapalli. An enquiry for surcharge was commenced against the petitioner and others under S. 71 of the Tamil Nadu Co-operative Societies Act by the Registrar. The Registrar started to go into the conduct of the petitioner and others who are officers of the Co-operative society on 25th September, 1965 relating to a sum of Rs. 41,288.51. The enquiry was adjourned from time to time. It was adjourned to 13th October, 1965. It was again adjourned to 11th January, 1966. In the mean time, criminal proceedings were started against the petitioner and others in C.C. No. 284 of 1966. Pending disposal of the criminal proceedings the enquiry was suspended and was taken up again only in September, 1970. It was again adjourned to 17th November, 1970, and then to 18th July, 1972. The written statement was filed by the petitioner on 17th August, 1972. Again it was adjourned to 29th July, 1972. In the written statement the petitioner and ot hers contended that as no enquiry contemplated under S. 71(1) can be held after the expiry of six years from the date of act or omission referred to in the sub-section, t