JUDGMENT :

AMITABH KUMAR RAI, J.

1. Heard Sri Sameer Singh, learned counsel for the petitioner, and Sri Ratnesh Chandra, learned counsel for the respondents.

2. The present writ petition has been filed challenging the order dated 31.05.2002 passed by the Regional Manager, Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (hereinafter referred to as ‘UPSRTC’) Lucknow Region, Lucknow, whereby the petitioner was awarded punishment of removal from service, as well as the appellate order dated 10.09.2002 by which the appeal of the petitioner was rejected by respondent no. 3, Mandaliya Pradhan Prabandhak (Central Zone), UPSRTC, Terhi Kothi, Lucknow.

3. The brief facts of the case are that the petitioner, while posted on the post of Conductor at Mirzapur Depot, Allahabad Region, was running passenger bus bearing vehicle registration no. U.R.S. 9938 en route from Renukot to Lucknow on 09.03.1990. At about 16:45 hours, between Renukot and Robertsganj, the bus was stopped by the inspection team at a place namely Gurmura, and on inspection it was found that out of 83 passengers, 30 passengers were without tickets, though the fare from them was realised by the petitioner. The inspection team was head