JUDGMENT :

Dr. B.R.Sarangi, J.

The petitioner, who was working as a Lecturer in P.G. Department of Earth Science of Sambalpur University, has filed this petition to quash the order dated 31.8.2000 (Annexure-21) passed by the disciplinary authority imposing punishment of dismissal from service and confirmation thereof by the appellate authority vide order dated 19.12.2000, Annexure-23.

2. The factual matrix of the case in hand is that the petitioner entered into service as a Lecturer in Earth Science, P.G. Department of Sambalpur University with effect from April, 1987. Pursuant to a news item published in Oriya dailies dated 10.6.1998 and 11.6.1998 relating to an ugly incident that took place on 19.5.1998 at University Guest House, the Registrar of the University directed the Officer-in-Charge of the Guest House to conduct an inquiry and submit his report. As a consequence thereof, the Officer-in-charge of the Guest House called for a report from the Manager of the Guest House and submitted the same to the Registrar of the University. Thereafter, the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Northern Division), Sambalpur and the Vice- Chancellor of the University directed for a detailed inq