By the Court.—Heard Sri Naveen Sinha, learned counsel for the petitioner and Shri Bal Ram Yadav for the respondents. The record has been produced by the Bank.

2. The petitioner challenges the order of punishment dated 31.7.2006 by means of which he has been dismissed from service and has been made liable for recovery of amount of Rs. 11,22,265.81 which is to be recovered by initiating proceedings under Section 68 of the U.P. Co-operative Societies Act, 1965.

3. The petitioner, was initially appointed as Field Officer in U.P. Sahkari Gram Vikas Bank Ltd. (herein after referred to as the Bank), and was later promoted to the post of Branch Manager in the year 1997. While working as Branch Manager there were certain complaints against him which were enquired into. The petitioner was required to submit his explanation which he submitted . However, in contemplation of an enquiry the petitioner was suspended on 1.10.2003. Regional Manager, Azam Garh was appointed as Enquiry Officer. On 2.12.2003 the Enquiry Officer issued the charge-sheet, levelling certain charges against the petitioner.

4. The petitioner in response to the charge-sheet by the application dated 16.12.2003 reques