JUDGMENT

Dr. B.R. SARANGI, J. - The petitioner, who was working as Manager of Guest House of Sambalpur University, challenges the inquiry report of the inquiring officer dated 26.4.2000 and the consequential order dated 31.8.2000 passed by the disciplinary authority imposing on him punishment of dismissal from service vide Annexure-15 dated 31.8.2000 and confirmation thereof by the appellate authority, vide order dated 19.12.2000, Annexure-17.

2.The facts of the case in hand are that the petitioner entered into service as a Care Taker of the Guest House of Sambalpur University in the year 1982. Subsequently, he was promoted to the post of Manager in the year 1997. 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 (North