JUDGMENT :

J.J. Munir, J.

1. The petitioner commenced his career's journey as a Conductor with the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation [hereinafter referred to as “Corporation”]. He was promoted to the post of a Booking Clerk. He had a smooth ride for the most part of his career until the fag end of it. The petitioner served the Corporation from 01.12.1981 to 31.07.2014. While in service, the petitioner was granted the first selection grade with effect from 01.12.1992, on completion of 10 years continuous satisfactory service. His pay-scale was revised accordingly. The petitioner was granted a second selection grade with effect from 01.12.2002, on completion of 20 years continuous satisfactory service, with a corresponding revision of his pay. Again on 19.02.2013, by means of an order of that date, the petitioner was granted benefit of the third Assured Career Progression [for short “ACP”]. He was granted grade-pay of Rs. 4200/- with effect from 01.12.2013. Upon grant of this ACP, the petitioner’s emoluments were revised and he was also paid arrears.

2. Trouble for the petitioner began on 14.03.2014, when he was issued with a charge sheet. It appears that at the relevant ti