JUDGMENT

Award of the labour court, Ext.P7 dated 30.9.2021 in favour of the respondent No.2 workman has been assailed by the petitioner, Payyannur Urban Co-operative Society registered under the Kerala Co-operative Societies Act, 1969.

2. Respondent No.2, workman was appointed as Salesman/Supervisor in the Neethi Medical Store established by the petitioner society from September 2009. His main duty according to the averment was to check the items purchased by the customers and to prepare the bills. While so, misappropriation to the tune of Rs.48,69,870/- was detected. During the annual stock verification conducted in the establishment on 31.3.2015, the stock of Rs.68,97,000/- was found whereas the workman had signed a statement reflecting the stock of Rs.71,62,146/-. Accordingly, 2nd respondent was placed under suspension with effect from 5.6.2015 as per the order Ext.P1 issued by the President of the Society. A show cause notice dated 17.7.2015, Ext.P2 was served upon the petitioner consisting of a charge memo signed by the disciplinary sub committee. The workman duly replied the same. Dissatisfied with the same, the enquiry officer was appointed. During the interregnum respondent