JUDGMENT : Surinder Singh, J. Heard and gone through the record. 2. The petitioner was employed as peon in the respondent department. He was charge sheeted for will full absence. After holding inquiry, he was removed from service vide order dated 22.9.2010 (Annexure A8). Feeling aggrieved by the said order, petitioner filed appeal under Rule 23 of the CCS (CCA), Rules, 1965 before 1st respondent the Principal Secretary (Education), stating therein the grounds of appeal. He had also prayed for personal hearing in appeal and allow him to take assistance of his counsel. Admittedly, neither the personal hearing was given to the petitioner nor he was allowed assistance of his counsel. Whereas the appeal of the petitioner was dismissed by the Principal Secretary (Education) by stating in the order that he had examined and considered the appeal along with all relevant record. 3. It appears that the appeal was decided in a slip-shod manner without application of mind to the grounds of appeal and assigning any reason. Therefore, the order dated 4.5.2011 (Annexure P11) is indefensible; as such it is quashed and set aside. As a consequence, respondent No. 1 Principal Secretary (Education) to the Government of H.P. is directed to afford personal hearing to the petitioner or through his counsel and decide the appeal by a reasoned and speaking order, dealing with the grounds taken in appeal, in accordance with law, within four months from the date of receipt of copy of this judgment/order. 4. With these directions, the petition stands disposed of so also the pending application(s), if any.