J U D G M E N T

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The petitioner, who was Secretary of Thiruvananthapuram Service Co-operative Bank Limited, challenges Ext.P1 order of suspension, Ext.P4 enquiry report, Ext.P6 punishment order, Ext.P9 appellate order, Ext.P14 Award of the Co-operative Arbitration Court and Ext.P15 judgment of the Kerala Co-operative Tribunal, Thiruvananthapuram.

2. The petitioner states that she joined service as Junior Clerk in the Bank on 17.10.1983 and was eventually occupied the post of Secretary on 16.09.2010. The petitioner had an unblemished service till then. On 16.02.2013, as per Ext.P1, the petitioner was placed under suspension. On 24.07.2013, Ext.P2 charge sheet was served on the petitioner, which contained eight charges. Sri. K.P. Rajeevan, Advocate was appointed as Enquiry Officer. He submitted Ext.P4 enquiry report dated 30.11.2013 finding the petitioner guilty of 4 out of the 8 charges.

3. The Disciplinary Committee disagreed with the Enquiry Officer's finding that the petitioner was not guilty of charge No.5. Without giving an opportunity to the petitioner, the Chairman of the Disciplinary Sub Committee imposed Ext.P6 order of punishment of reduction to the rank of