ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed challenging the order passed by the Respondent No.2 in proceedings bearing br/K/e/f/vz;/183-eph; 5?3-2012 dated

15.03.2016, imposing the punishment of dismissal from service under Rule 8(viii) of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules and the order passed by the Respondent No.1 on appeal in G.O (D) No.210, Social and Nutritious Meal Programme (SW1) Department, dated 25.11.2016.

2. The brief facts that are relevant for disposal of the Writ Petition are as under:- 2.1. The petitioner herein was initially appointed as 'Office Assistant' on being sponsored by the Employment Exchange on 01.09.1981 and thereafter, he was promoted to the post of 'Junior Assistant' under 20% quota meant for 'Record Clerks' and basic servants basing upon the SSLC Marks Memo produced by the petitioner and accordingly, the petitioner joined duty on 23.12.1991. His services were also regularized through proceedings bearing br/K/e/f/vz;/124633-, eph/3/3-93 dated 03.01.1994 in the cadre of 'Junior Assistant'.

2.2. Whileso, the Respondent No.2 issued a charge-memo in e/f/vz;/27034-eph; 5?3-2009 dated 17.03.2011 to the petitioner containing two charges. The