JUDGMENT

Tejinder Singh Dhindsa, J. - Instant writ petition is directed against the order dated 20.12.2018 (Annexure P-9) passed by the second respondent i.e. Enquiry Officer-cum-Superintending Engineer, OP Circle, Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited, Karnal, in terms of which an application moved by the petitioners herein seeking sanction for engagement of a counsel to represent them in the enquiry proceedings, has been declined.

2. Brief facts emanating from the pleadings on record may be noticed.

3. Petitioners are serving as Junior Engineers/Junior Engineers-I under the respondent-Nigam. FIR number 389 dated 26.10.2016 was registered at Police Station Farakpur, District Yamunanagar under Sections 409, 411, 420 and 120-B IPC and Section 137 of Indian Electricity Act as also Section 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Even though petitioners were not specifically named in the FIR but during the course of investigation, culpability of the petitioners also cropped up and allegations against them were as regards mis-utilization of the Nigam's material and having indulged in corrupt practices. Petitioners were arrested and thereafter they were placed under suspension vide offic