By the Court.—This petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India has been filed for issuing a writ of certiorari quashing the order dated 17.11.2006 passed by the respondent No. 1 (State of U.P.) whereby exercising the powers under Article 351-A of the Civil Service Regulations, punishment of reducing the pension of the petitioner by 50% has been passed.

2. Petitioner at the relevant time was working as Chief Engineer Level II in the Public Works Department, Government of U.P. when he was selected to be the Chief Engineer of a project by the name of U.P. Health Systems Development Project (in short referred to as UPHSDP), which had financing from the World Bank. Petitioner was placed on deputation in the Medical Department. He was made the Chief Engineer of the Project vide order dated 1.7.2000 to ensure and carry out the works in timely and proper manner. As per agreed terms and conditions, the petitioner continued to work as Chief Engineer of the aforesaid project U.P.H.S.D.P. till 2.8.2004 whereafter he joined his parent department.

3. Petitioner was suspended by order dated 25.10.2004 on the charges that he had got works carried out worth Rs. 100 crores and pa