By the Court.—Heard Sri U.N. Sharma, learned Senior Advocate assisted by Sri Chandan Sharma who appeared in support of this petition and Sri Sunil Trivedi, learned Advocate who appeared for the respondents.

2. By means of this petition petitioner has prayed for quashing the order dated 10/11.8.2008 (Annexure-1 to the writ petition) passed by Chairman-cum-Managing Director/Disciplinary Authority, Northern Coalfields Limited, Singrauli and the order dated 20.1.2009 (Annexure-2 to the writ petition) by the Appellate Authority by which appeal filed by the petitioner has been dismissed.

3. For disposal of the writ petition facts in brief will suffice.

4. Petitioner was working as Superintending Engineer (Excavation) at Dudhichua Project of Northern Coalfields Limited. On 24.7.2007 a charge-sheet was served on the petitioner of which reply was submitted on 4.8.2006. Disciplinary authority in exercise of powers as conferred under Rule 29(2) of the Coal India Executives Conduct, Discipline and Appeal Rules, 1978, hereinafter referred to as Rules appointed Sri S.P.Sahu, Ex C.G.M. Northern Coalfields Limited as inquiry officer vide order dated 10.8.2006. Prosecution brief was submitt