JUDGMENT

K. RAMASWAMY, J. (for himself and Jeevan Reddy, J.) - Leave granted.

2. This appeal and the companion appeal filed by the Union of India arise from the order of the Administrative Tribunal in OA No. 609 of 1986 dated 14-3-1989. Appellants integrity, while he was working as Income Tax Officer, had come under a cloud. On an investigation made by the CBI, it had stated to the respondent that though the evidence collected during investigation disclosed that the appellant had assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, as the evidence was not strong enough to lay prosecution under Section 5(1)(e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 (for short the Act), the competent authority might proceed against the appellant in a departmental enquiry.

3. In furtherance thereof on 2-3-1982, the appellant was served with the charge-sheet containing four specific charges for violating different conduct rules and misconduct of being in possession of property disproportionate to his known sources of income. After giving reasonable opportunity and conducting inquiry, the Enquiry Officer submitted his report on 28-1-1984 holding the charges to have been proved. After consultation