Judgment :- P.K. Misra, J. The present writ petitions are directed against the orders dated 26.4.2004 passed in O.A.Nos:8794 and 8795 of 1998 respectively by the Tamil Nadu Administrative Tribunal. 2. Heard Mr.K.Venkataramani, learned counsel appearing for the petitioners and Mr.S.Gomathinayagam, learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents. 3. The impugned Original Applications were filed by the respective petitioners challenging the orders passed in the Disciplinary Proceedings awarding punishment of dismissal. The Tribunal after re-analyzing the evidence has come to the conclusion that the petitioners and two other persons have not performed their duty assigned to them in a proper manner and allowed the prisoners to be taken out to a place which was not in their itinerary. Therefore, the Tribunal even though had not accepted the entire evidence in the disciplinary proceedings, came to the conclusion that the punishment should be modified to stoppage of increment for Five years with cumulative effect. 4. Learned counsel for the petitioners has vehemently contended that in fact the Tribunal having differed from the findings recorded by the Disciplinary Authority should have exonerated the petitioners completely and the punishment imposed is unjustified. It is also further contended that at any rate, the punishment imposed appears to be grossly disproportionate to the nature of delinquency committed by the petitioners. 5. Having heard the learned counsels at length and having gone through the materials on record, including the orders of the Tribunal, we are unable to accept the submissions made by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioners. As a matter of fact, even accepting the modified findings as rendered by the Tribunal, we are convinced that the petitioners had derelicted in their duty. Even, the modified punishment imposed by the Tribunal appears to be very lenient because a Police personnel is a person who is required to be much more careful than an ordinary employee. 6. The Learned Counsel appearing for the petitioners also made his submissions that in view of the acquittal in the criminal case, there should not have been any further departmental proceedings and at any rate, the acquittal in the criminal case should have been considered by the Tribunal. The learned Counsel placed reliance upon the decision of the Supreme Court in Paul Antony Vs. Bharat Gold Mines Ltd., reported in 1999 (II) CTC 579. 7. The learned Counsel placed reliance upon the decision of the Supreme Court in Paul Antony Vs. Bharat Gold Mines Ltd., reported in 1999 (II) CTC 579. 7. We do not find that the ratio laid down in the aforesaid decision can be made applicable to the peculiar facts and circumstances of the present case. Law is well settled that in a departmental proceedings, the standard of proof is less rigorous as compared to the standard of proof required in respect of a criminal case. 8. The Disciplinary Authority had considered the evidence and imposed the punishment of dismissal. Even though the Tribunal has not accepted the entire findings of the Disciplinary Authority, it has independently considered the evidence and has found improper performance of duty by the delinquent Police personnel. Having regard to all these aspects, we do not find any merit in these Writ Petitions. Accordingly, the Writ Petitions are dismissed. Consequently, connected WPMPs are also dismissed. No costs.