K. Ravichandrabaabu, J.

1. The petitioner has filed this writ petition challenging the order of dismissal from service passed by the first respondent dated 22.04.2009, confirmed by the Appellate Authority by order dated 16.06.2009 as well as by the Revisional Authority by order dated 26.10.2009.

2. The petitioner was working as a Constable in CISF Unit, NLC, Neyveli. He was placed under suspension on 30.09.2006 with effect from 28.09.2006 on the reason that a criminal case was under investigation against him. On 10.03.2008, he was issued with a charge memo stating that he had close link and had been maintaining unwarranted contact with a dubious integrity person, namely, Ramesh which had resulted into the arrest of the petitioner by the Police and filing of charge against him before the Criminal Court in connection with the major theft of plant property of 679 meters of conveyor belts worth about Rs. 21,57,000/-, from Mine-I Conveyor yard of NLC Neyveli. The petitioner denied the charge and gave his explanation. Not being satisfied with the explanation, an Enquiry Officer was appointed to conduct the domestic enquiry. The Enquiry Officer, after examination of the witnes