ORDER :

P.Naveen Rao, J.

Heard learned counsel for petitioner Sri M.Venkanna and learned Assistant Solicitor General for respondents.

2. Petitioner is a Postal Assistant in the Department of Posts, Government of India. While he was working in Nandipet, Sub-Post Office (for short S.O.), he was deputed to Makloor S.O to work as Sub-Post Master (for short, ‘SPM’). Having received complaints of illegalities in the Makloor S.O., fact finding enquiry was conducted. Based on the findings in the said enquiry, disciplinary action was initiated against petitioner. He was placed under suspension on 29.6.2019. On 1.9.2019 complaint was also lodged in Makloor Police Station against petitioner alleging that there was shortage of cash of Rs. 7,70,535/- in S.O cash balance as on 29.6.2019. The complaint was registered as Crime No.139 of 2019. On 18.9.2019 his suspension was revoked.

3. He was served with charge memo dated 9.9.2019. The charge memo contains six articles of charges. Enquiry Officer was appointed to enquire into the charges. It appears, so far few sittings were held. Petitioner submitted representation to defer departmental proceedings, till the criminal proceedings are concluded. As his