JUDGMENT :

1. Heard Ms. Arti Raje, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, learned Standing Counsel appearing for the Respondent No.1 and Ms. Archana Singh, learned counsel appearing for the Respondents No.2 and 3.

2. Petitioner has filed this writ petition challenging therein the order dated 24.6.2021 passed by the District Basic Education Officer, Firozabad, whereby punishment in the form of withholding of two increments with cumulative effect has been imposed. Petitioner through this writ petition has also challenged the order dated 6.2.2023 passed by the Secretary, U.P. Basic Education Board, Prayagraj, whereby appeal filed by the petitioner against the punishment order dated 24.6.2021 has been rejected.

3. Facts of the case, in brief, are that the District Basic Education Officer, Firozabad passed an order on 4.3.2021, whereby petitioner’s services were placed under suspension in contemplation of the disciplinary proceedings. In the suspension order dated 4.3.2021, it was mentioned that one Smt. Simra Devi, who was working as cook in Primary School Rasoolabad, Block Tundla, District Firozabad, was cleaning the kitchen and due to leakage in the gas cylinder, she suffered ser