ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking to quash the impugned order dated 17.06.2013 passed by the first respondent in G.O. (D). No.174, Environment and Forest (F-12) Department and to consequently direct the respondents to refund a sum of Rs.1,82,048/- recovered from the petitioner’s death-cum-terminal benefits together with interest.

2. It is the case of the petitioner that he is a retired Forest Ranger, who initially entered into service as a Forester in the year 1970 and was subsequently promoted as Forest Ranger in 1994. The petitioner rendered long and unblemished service and attained superannuation on 30.06.2002. While the petitioner was serving in Kodaikkanal Range during the period between 16.05.1997 and 31.01.1998, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him and five charges were framed. Pursuant to which, an enquiry was conducted and the Enquiry Officer held that out of the five charges, four stood proved. Based on the said findings, it was concluded that the Government has sustained a loss of Rs.12,66,490/-, out of which, the loss attributable to the petitioner was quantified at Rs.3,16,622/-. Further, a sum of RS.1,82,048/- was ordered to be recovered fr