JUDGMENT

S.N.PRASAD, J. - The order of punishment dated 27.8.1999 is at Annexure-8 and its appellate order under Annexure-11 is under challenge.

2. Brief fact, in narrow compass, is that the petitioner while working as Clerk/Shroff in Indian Overseas Bank, Nuapada Branch was placed under suspension vide office order No.3063 dated 18.2.1998, subsequently it was revoked, he was reinstated in service vide order dated 4.11.1998. A charge-sheet was served upon him on 2.5.1998 alleging against him gross misconduct cause damage to the property of the Bank and doing any act prejudicial to the interest of the Bank. The petitioner had submitted his reply praying therein to drop the proceeding since there is no material available against him, the Disciplinary Authority, having found his reply not satisfactory, had initiated departmental enquiry.

The Enquiry Officer, after recording the evidence of witnesses and the relevent documents, has found the charge proved, the disciplinary authority, accepting the finding, has imposed punishment of dismissal from service vide order dated 27.8.1999 which has been challenged by the petitioner before the appellate authority who has confirmed the same vide