IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATE OF TELANGANA AT HYDERABAD THE HON’BLE SMT. JUSTICE JUVVADI SRIDEVI WRIT PETITION No.14113 of 2007

24^TH FEBRUARY, 2026 Between:

The Depot Manager, A.P.S.R.T.C., Hayathnagar Bus Depot, Ranga Reddy District … Petitioner AND P.Srinivas and another …Respondents : O R D E R :

This writ petition is filed to Issue a Writ, Order or direction more particularly one in the nature of Writ of Certiorari, calling for the records relating to the impugned award dated 25.08.2006 made in ID 159/04, the Labour Court, I Hyderabad published on 8.11.2006 in G.O.Rt.No.2177, dt. 19.10.2006 allowing the petition in part and directing the petitioner herein to reinstate the 1^st respondent into service together with continuity of service and other attendant benefits but without back wages and quash the same as being illegal, without jurisdiction.

2. Heard Sri N.Srushman Reddy, learned Standing Counsel for TGSRTC Zone I appearing for the petitioner and Learned Government Pleader for Labour for respondents. Perused the record.

3.1 The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the 1^st respondent was initially engaged as a casual conductor on daily wages on 27.09.1990 and his services were regularized on 15.02.1992. On 20.09.2002, while conducting Bus No.1565 on Route 204S, the Headquarters Enforcement Squad checked the bus and detected cash and ticket irregularities. The 1^st respondent was found in possession of six unpunched tickets of Rs.6.50 denomination (Nos. 057/248649–248654), allegedly issued to passengers travelling from Angoorbagh to Women’s College (Stages 8 to 1), which were not accounted for in the S.R. The tickets were confiscated, and a charge memo was issued on the spot, which the 1^st respondent acknowledged and explained.

3.2 Based on the evidence and his explanation, the 1^st respondent was suspended and issued a charge sheet. His explanation was found unsatisfactory, and a regular enquiry was conducted by the Chief Inspector (Enquiries), Hyderabad Division. During the enquiry, one checking official was examined and cross- examined by the 1^st respondent, while the other was not cross- examined. The 1^st respondent did not produce any defence witnesses but gave his statement. The enquiry was conducted in accordance with APSRTC CC&A Regulations and principles of natural justice.

3.3 The enquiry officer held the charges proved and submitted a report to the disciplinary authority, which issued a show cause notice proposing removal from service. After considering the 1^st respondent’s explanation and finding no new grounds, the disciplinary authority passed an order removing him from service on 29.01.2003. His appeal and review were subsequently rejected on

23.05.2003 and 29.12.2003 respectively.

3.4 Thereafter, the 1^st respondent raised an industrial dispute in I.D. No.159/2004. The Labour Court partly allowed the claim and ordered reinstatement with continuity of service and 25% back wages. Aggrieved by the said order, the petitioner filed the present writ petition seeking its reversal.

4.1 The learned Government Pleader for Labour submits that the Labour Court correctly found that six unpunched tickets of Rs.6.50 each were found with the 1^st respondent and were not accounted for. The management alleged that he retained them with the intention of reissuing them in the next trip. However, the 1^st respondent stated that six passengers boarded at Angoor Bagh (stage 8) intending to travel to Women’s College (stage 9), paid Rs.50, but alighted before the tickets were issued and took back their money.

4.2 During the check at Women’s College, no passenger was found without a ticket, and the checking officials did not record statements from any passengers, including the alleged six passengers. Since the tickets remained unpunched and unaccounted, it indicates they were not issued. Further, the officials did not verify the bus cash, which could have shown excess cash, if the tickets had been issued but not recorded.

4.3 In the