J U D G M E N T

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The petitioner, who is terminated from the services of the KSRTC, seeks to quash Exts.P1 and P3 and to reinstate the petitioner in service.

2. The petitioner entered service under the KSRTC as Driver in the year 2011. The petitioner states that while operating a bus on 28.02.2023, an Enfield Bullet hit on the left side of the bus, resulting in death of two youths. An enquiry was conducted. The enquiry report found the petitioner guilty. The 3^rd respondent passed Ext.P1 order dated

16.02.2024 terminating the service of the petitioner.

3. The petitioner filed Ext.P2 appeal which was dismissed as per Ext.P3 order dated 06.01.2025. The petitioner states that Exts.P1 and P3 orders are passed without applying mind to the final report and mahazar prepared by the police. The petitioner states that the enquiry officer has categorically stated that the accident was not due to the deliberate action of the petitioner. The disciplinary authority did not independently decide the case and instead sought direction from the Appellate Authority. The appeal filed by the petitioner therefore became redundant, contends the petitioner.

4. The respondents filed counter affid