ORDER

4.3.2004 — Though this matter was listed today for orders, with the consent of the learned counsel for the parties, it is taken up for final disposal.

Heard Mr. Pattanayak, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. Nanda, learned counsel for the opposite parties.

The petitioner calls in question, the impugned order of punishment in a disciplinary proceeding, giving him compulsory retirement from service.

The petitioner was serving as a Junior Engineer (Electrical) at Nirakarpur Electrical Section in the district of Khurda, when a departmental proceeding was initiated on 13.11.1997 on the allegation of showing undue favour to a consumer in giving service connection without a meter, collection of unauthorised money from consumers for personal gains at the cost of the Company, negligence in duty, disobedience of orders of higher authorities and misconduct. The proceedings continued, charges were served, petitioner submitted his explanation denying all charges. An enquiry officer was appointed and the enquiry was conducted on 27.7.2000 and report was submitted, holding him guilty of Charge Nos. 4, 6, 8 and the charge regarding negligence in duty, according to the petitioner, the