With the consent of learned Counsel for the parties the matter is finally heard.

In this petition, the petitioner has assailed the validity of the order dated 31-1-2012 by which penalty of recovery of pecuniary loss caused to the respondent-Bank from the emoluments payable to the deceased husband of the petitioner has been imposed.

2. The facts, giving rise to filing of the writ petition, briefly stated, are that the husband of the petitioner late Harpreet Singh Chandok was an officer in the respondent-Bank. He was served with a charge-sheet dated 25-11-2009. The husband of the petitioner submitted a reply to the aforesaid charge-sheet. On 17-4-2010, the Presenting Officer was asked to submit a written brief and defence representative was also asked to submit a written brief on 15-5-2010. Thereafter, it appears that the proceeding in the departmental enquiry was adjourned for submission of written brief of defence representative up to 25-9-2010. In the meanwhile, the husband of the petitioner died on 31-8-2010. After the death of the husband of the petitioner the Enquiry Officer submitted the report on 8-10-2010. An intimation was furnished on 25-9-2010 by the defence repre