Ajay Bhanot, J.

1. The petitioner was working as Sahayak Vasil Baki Navis, in the Collectorate of District Baghpat. A charge-sheet was drawn up against the petitioner on 20.10.2006 wherein charges were laid out against him. In substance the charges laid out against the petitioner alleged that the petitioner had forged signatures of the Tehsildar Baghpat in some orders. He was also responsible for loss of official records. The petitioner tendered his defence in the departmental enquiry. The petitioner squarely contested the aforesaid charges. In the course of the enquiry proceeding the petitioner specifically prayed for calling for a report of a handwriting expert to examine the issue of alleged forgery of signatures.

2. A show cause notice was issued to the petitioner on 11.7.2007. The petitioner tendered his reply to the show cause notice and refuted the charges against him. He also highlighted the violation of principles of natural justice in the conduct of the enquiry which had prejudiced his defence.

3. The disciplinary authority terminated the services of the petitioner by the order dated 28.12.2007.

4. The petitioner took the order of termination in appeal before the co