JUDGMENT By the Court.—Heard Sri Rahul Jain, learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner and Sri Saroj Yadav, learned Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the respondents. 2. By means of the present writ petition, the petitioner has challenged the punishment order dated 19.9.2000 passed by the disciplinary authority and the order dated 6.10.2001 passed by the appellate authority, rejecting the appeal of the petitioner. 3. The petitioner has been retired as Executive Engineer on 31.5.1997. When the petitioner was in service, no disciplinary proceeding was initiated. It appears that in respect of certain allegations, the permission to initiate the proceeding has been granted by the State Government vide order dated 12.12.1996, however, no proceeding had been initiated during the period of service. It appears that after the retirement, a sanction has been granted under regulation 351A of Civil Services Regulation on 30.8.1997 to initiate the proceeding against the petitioner, and in pursuance thereof, a charge sheet was issued by the Enquiry Officer on 8.12.1997, which is Annexure-2 to the writ petition. In the said charge sheet, on the top, the date 23.6.1997 is mentioned. It appears that the charge sheet was prepared on 23.6.1997 and when the sanction under regulation 351A was granted on 30.8.1997, the same was signed by the authority concerned on 8.12.1997. The petitioner has filed the detailed reply to the charge sheet on 15.2.1999. The Enquiry Officer has submitted the enquiry report on 19.5.1999, which is Annexure-6 to the writ petition. On the receipt of the enquiry report, the disciplinary authority issued a show-cause notice, which has been replied by the petitioner on 30.11.1999. Thereafter, the disciplinary authority passed the impugned punishment order dated 19.9.2000 and directed for the recovery of Rs.1,80,213/- from the petitioner. The disciplinary authority has held that the charge Nos. 1 and 2 was partly proved, but there was no allegation of financial loss. However, the charge No. 3 was found to be proved and in respect of the charge No. 3 it was held that there was a pecuniary loss of revenue of Rs.1,80,213/-, which is liable to be recovered. Against the said order, the petitioner has filed an appeal, which has been dismissed. Hence, the present writ petition has been filed. 4. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the charge No. 3 has not, in fact, been proved. The petitioner acted bonafidely with due diligence. Against the said order, the petitioner has filed an appeal, which has been dismissed. Hence, the present writ petition has been filed. 4. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the charge No. 3 has not, in fact, been proved. The petitioner acted bonafidely with due diligence. The contract to Muzeebur Rahman has not been awarded, because he did not furnish 10% security/earnest money, which is the requirement under the contract. On account of his refusal to deposit 10% security, his contract has been cancelled, the further contract has been awarded to Sri Gurudutt Ram. It is not the case of the respondents that in the similar nature of contract, namely white washing etc., the contract has been awarded without taking the security of 10%. The contract has also not been awarded to Muzeebur Rahman on the ground that in past he could not complete the awarded contract. A detailed explanations have been given by the petitioner before the Enquiry Officer and before the disciplinary authority, but neither the Enquiry Officer nor the disciplinary authority has considered the explanation in its right perspective and, therefore, the order is vitiated. 5. Learned Standing Counsel submitted that on the consideration of the entire facts, the punishment by way of recovery of Rs.1,80,213/- has been awarded, which in the facts and circumstances is wholly justified. It is submitted that on account of not awarding the contract to Muzeebur Rahman on the amount of Rs.2,30,492/- and awarding contract on an amount of Rs.4,24,555.25, the department has suffered loss, as such department was entitled to recover the amount from the delinquent officer. 6. We have considered the rival submissions of the counsel for the parties and perused the records. 7. The punishment order by way of recovery has been passed on the basis of the charge No. 3. 6. We have considered the rival submissions of the counsel for the parties and perused the records. 7. The punishment order by way of recovery has been passed on the basis of the charge No. 3. The charge No. 3 is as follows : ^^vkjksi la[;k&3 tuin eqjknkckn esa vkoklh; ,oa vukoklh; Hkouksa dh jaxk;h iqrk;h ls lEcfUèkr izkIr fufonkvksa ij vkids }kjk U;wure Bsdsnkj Jh eqthcqjgeku ,Q0&22 ljk; fd'ku yky eqjknkckn ds i{k esa fuEu fooj.k ds vuqlkj LohÑfr;ka iznku dh x;hA mDr Bsdsnkj us vius i= fnukad 22-7-95 }kjk vkils ;g vuqjks/k fd;k fd muds vuqcUèk 2 izfr'kr tekur dh /kujkf'k ij cukdj bl ij gh LVkEi 'kqYd tek djk;k tk;sA vkius Bsdsnkj ds vuqjks/k dks Lohdkj ugh fd;k rFkk vius dk;kZy; ds dze'k% dk;kZy; vkns'k la0 1038A oh0,Q0 fnukad 5-8-95 ,oa vkns'k la[;k 1037Aoh0,Q0 fnukad 5-8-95 }kjk fufonkvksa dh Lohd`fr;ka okfil ysrs gq;s Bsdsnkj dh 2 izfr'kr tekur dh /kujkf'k tCr djus ds vkns'k dj fn;sA bl dk;Z dh Lohd`fr;ka fujLr fd;s tkus ds QyLo:i Jh eqthcqgZeku Bsdsnkj }kjk ekuuh; flfoy tt lhfu;j fMohtu] eqjknkckn ds le{k :0 3]44]878 ewY;kadu dk okn la0 894A95 nk;j fd;k x;k ftlesa ;g izkFkZuk dh x;h fd izfri{khx.k dks vkns'k fn;s tk;s fd 2 izfr'kr tekur jkf'k tek djkds muds i{k esa vuqcU/k fu"ikfnr djk;s vkSj mlh /kujkf'k ij LVkEi 'kqYd Hkh ys rFkk bl dk;Z dks vU; fdlh ls u djk;sA ekuuh; U;k;ky;] flfoy tt eqjknkckn us ,d lEeu okn dh izfr ds lkFk vkids dk;kZy; esa Hkstk tks vkids dk;kZy; esa fnukad 22-8-95 dks izkIr gqvkA Bsdsnkj }kjk mijksDr Lohd`fr;ksa ds fujLr fd;s tkus ij okn ;ksftr gksus dh tkudkjh vkidks gksus Hkh vkids [k.M esa lEcfU/kr lgk;d vfHk;Urk bUpktZ ds i= la[;k 243A,0bZ0 fnukad 31-10-95 }kjk iqu% fufonk;sa fnukad 16-11-95 dks vkeafU=r dj yh x;hA ekuuh; U;k;ky; }kjk fnukad 15-12-95 dks oknh ds izkFkZuk i= dks Lohdkj djrs gq;s fuEu fu"ksèkkKk iznku dh x;hA vLFkk;h fu"ks/kkKk }kjk izfroknh x.k dks vkns'k fn;s tkrs gS fd nkSjku eqdnek iz'uxr lafonk la0 931 o 932 ds fdlh vU; dks Bsds us nsdj tSlk fd iwoZor ck.M curs pys vk;s gS mlh ds vuqlkj oknh ls 2 izfr'kr vusZLV euh tek djkdj ck.M cuok;s rFkk oknh dks Lohd`r Vs.Mj ds vuq:i dk;Z djus nsA Bsdsnkj us ekuuh; U;k;ky; ds mijksDr vkns'kksa ls vius i=ksa fnukad 18-1-96 ,oa iqu% fnukad 301-96 }kjk vkidks voxr djk fn;k Fkk rFkk 2 izfr'kr tekur dh jkf'k ij gh vuqcU/k cukdj dk;Z vkcafVr djus dk vuqjksèk fd;k FkkA vkids [k.M esa vkids dk;Zdky esa rFkk Lo;a vkids }kjk vusdksa vuqcU/k 2 izfr'kr dh tekur /kujkf'k ij iathd`r fd;s x;s FksA pwafd vkids }kjk 2 izfr'kr tekur /kujkf'k ij vuqcU/k cuk;s tk jgs FksA bl izdj.k ij Hkh ekuuh; U;k;ky; ds vkns'kksa dk ikyu djrs gq;s Jh eqthcqjZgeku Bsdsnkj ds i{k esa vuqcUèk xfBr fd;s tkus esa dksbZ oS/kkfud vMpu ugh Fkh fdUrq vkids }kjk tku cw>dj ekuuh; U;k;ky; ds vkns'kksa dk mYya?kuA voekuuk djrs gq;s mijksDr dk;ksZa ds fy;s iqu% vkefU=r fufonkvksa ds vk/kkj ij vkids ,oa lgk;d vfHk;Urk }kjk Bsdsnkj dks vuqfpr ykHk nsus gsrq maph njksa ij fuEu vuqcU/k cuk fn;s x;s ftudks vkids }kjk iathÑr dj fn;k x;kA mijksDr izdj.k esa ;g rF; izdk'k esa vk;k gS fd ftruh ek=k dks lEikfnr djus ds fy;s Jh eqthcqjZgeku Bsdsnkj us dqy vuqekfur ykxr :0 3]44]878-00] mlls de ek=k ds dk;Z ds fy;s vkids }kjk :0 4]24]455-00 ds vuqcU/k okn esa cuok;s x;sA vU; Bsdsnkjksa dh ftu ek?kkvksa dks lEikfnr djus ds fy;s dk;Z fn;k x;k] ;fn Jh eqthcqjZgeku dh njksa ij dk;Z djk;k tkrk rks dk;Z dh dqy ykxr :0 2]30]492-00 dh gksrhA bl izdkj vkids }kjk xyr rjhds ls ekuuh; U;k;ky; ds vkns'kksa dh voekuuk djrs gq;s nwljs Bsdsnkjksa ds i{k esa vuqcU/k djk dj dk;Z djk;s tkus ds QyLo:i 'kklu dks :0 1]93]963]25 dh gkfu gksrhA Bsdsnkj }kjk ekuuh; U;k;ky; ds okn nk;j fd;s tkus ds ckn Hkh vkids bl lEcUèk esa mPp vf/kdkfj;ksa dks voxr ugh djk;k rFkk Lo;a vius Lrj ij ujsfVo bR;kfn rS;kj djkdj ekuuh; U;k;ky; esa izfr'kiFk i= nkf[ky dj fn;k tcfd 'kklukns’k la0 ch0&2983A 7oh 19-4-73 fnukad 17-8-93 ds vuqlkj foHkkxh; Hkh dsoy 5000A& rd ds ewY;kadu ds oknksa ij izfrokn djus ds vkns'k ns ldrs gSA bl 'kklukns'k ds vuqlkj bl okn dk izfrokn djus ds vkns'k ns ldrs gSA bl 'kklukns'k ds vuqlkj bl okn dk izfrokn djus dh vuqefr 'kklu ls izkIr dh tkuh Fkh ijUrq vkids }kjk dh x;h xEHkhj foRrh; vfu;ferrk dks Nqikus dh uh;r ls bl okn dk izfrokn fd;s tkus dk fu.kZ; vius Lrj ij Lo;a ys dj dk;Zokgh dj yhA bl izdkj mijksDr rF;ksa ls Li"V gS fd vkius u dsoy vfu;fer <ax ls fufonkvksa dks Lohd`r djds 'kklu dks :0 1]93]962-25 dh gkfu igqapk;h gS cfYd okn ds izfrokn ds fy;s 'kklu }kjk fu/kkZfjr izfdz;k dk Hkh mYya?ku fd;k gSA bl vkjksi ds fy;s fuEu lk{; izLrqr fd;s tk;sxs%& 1- fufonk LohÑr dk i=kad 931AVs.Mj fnukad 15-7-95 2- fufonk LohÑfr dk i=kad 932AVs.Mj fnukad 15-7-95 3- Jh eqthcqjZgeku Bsdsnkj dk i= fnukad 22-7-95 4- vf/k'kklh vfHk;Urk fuekZ.k [k.M&3 yks0fu0fo0 eqjknkckn dk dk;kZy; vkns'k la0 1038 ch0,Q0 fnukad 5-8-95 5- vf/k'kklh vfHk;Urk] fuekZ.k [k.M&3 yks0fu0fo0 eqjknkckn dk dk;kZy; vkns'k la[;k 1037Ach0,Q0 fnukad 5-8-95 6- Jh eqthcqjZgeku Bsdsnkj }kjk ekuuh; flfoy tt] lhfu;j fMohtu eqjknkckn ds le{k nk;j okn la[;k 894A95 dh izfr ekuuh; U;k;ky; ds lEeu ds lkFk izkIr 7- lgk;d vfHk;Urk@f}rh;@fuekZ.k [k.M&3 yks0fu0fo0 eqjknkckn dk i=kad&243A ,0bZ0 fnukad 31-10-95 8- ekuuh; U;k;ky;] flfoy tt] lhfu;j fMohtu] eqjknkckn ds fu.kZ; fnukad 15-12-95 dh izfrA 9- Jh eqthcqjgeku Bsdsnkj dk i= fnukad 18-1-96 10- Jh eqthcqjZgeku Bsdsnkj dk i= fnukad 30-1-96 11- vuqcU/k la0 1A,0bZ0&12&96&97 fnukad 30-4-96 12- vuqcU/k la- 3A bZ0bZ0 &96&97 fnukad 30-4-96 13- vuqcU/k la- 12A ,0bZ0 ikapA95&97 fnukad 2-3-96 14- vuqcU/k la0 &8A,0bZ0 ikapA95&96 fnukad 15-1-96 15- vuqcU/k la0 &010AbZ0bZ0 96&97 fnukad 16-4-96 @2 izfr'kr tekur /kujkf'k ij vuqcUèk cuk;s tkus ds leFkZu esa lk{; ds :i esa 16- 'kklukns'k la0&ch0&2983 7ch&1904&7 fnukad 17-8-93Þ 8. The petitioner filed a detailed reply to the charge No. 3, which is referred herein below : ^^vkjksi &3 tuin eqjknkckn esa vkoklh; vukoklh; Hkouksa dh jaxkbZ iqrkbZ bR;kfn ls lEcfU/kr izkIr fufonk esa tks eqthcqjgZeku ,Q- 22 ljk; fd'ku yky] eqjknkckn ds i{k esa fuEu izdkj LohÑr dh x;h FkhA blesa dksbZ lansg ugh gSA Bsdsnkj dks fufonk Lohd`fr gksus ds mijkUr fu;ekuqlkj vuqcfU/kr /kujkf'k dk 10 izfr'kr tekur dh /kujkf'k tek dj nsuh pkfg;s Fkh tks fu;e ds vUrxZr gS ijUrq mlus ,slk ugh fd;kA vr% mldh izkFkZuk i= fnukad 22-7-1995 dks vLohd`r djus esa eSus fdlh Hkh foRrh; fu;e dh mYya?ku ugh fd;kA esjs fopkj ls Hkouksa dh jaxk;h iqrk;h dk;Z ds fy;s vuqcU/k cukus ds lEcU/k esa 10 izfr'kr tekur esa fdlh izdkj dh NwV u nh tk;s] D;ksafd iqrkbZ dk;Z Bsdsnkj }kjk iwjk djds chp esa gh NksM+ nsrsA blh Bhdsnkj Jh eqthcqjZgeku ds i{k esa vuqcUèk la[;k 1A bZ0bZ0A95&96 fnukad 24-5-1995 ftldh ykxr :i;s 1]53]686]71 rFkk dk;Z lekiu frfFk 8-7-1995 Fkh] dks ;g Bsdsnkj le; ls iwjh u dj ldk] vfirq chp esa v/kwjk NksM fn;k d`i;k bl vuqcU/k dk vfUre ns;d :0 1]04]615-00 dk ns[kus dk d"V djsa] bl ns;d esa dk;Z dh vfUre eki] eki iqLrd la[;k 286A ,y0i`"B 120&130 ij fnukad 1-7-1996 dks nh x;h gS] fnukad 24-7-1995 ds mDr vuqcU/k esa blh Bsdsnkj ds dk;Z djus dh i)fr] f'kfFkyrk rFkk ykijokgh dks Li"V Qyd gS vr% og dfFkr dk;Z dks fu/kkZfjr le; esa iwjk ugh dj ldrk FkkA mijksDr Vs.Mj i=kad 931A VsUMj fnukad 15-7-1995 rFkk 932A Vs.Mj fnukad 15-7-1995] tks Jh eqthcqjgZeku ds i{k esa U;wure gksus ds dkj.k fu;e ds vUrxZr Lohd`r fd;s x;s] ds fo:) tufgr esa vuqcUèk dh /kujkf'k dk 10 izfr'kr tekur dh èkujkf'k dh :i esa vuqcU/k xfBr djrs le; tek djuk vfuok;Z FkkA vr% eSus fnukad 22-7-1995 dks tks eqthcqjgZeku dk izkFkZuk i= dks vLohdkj djus esa dksbZ Hkh xyrh ugh dhA ;fn ekuuh; U;k;ky; ds le{k bl lgh fLFkfr dks laKku esa yk;k tkrk rks eSa le>rk gWw fd U;k;ky; ls Bsdsnkj ds i{k esa vkns'k tkjh u fd;s tkrsA vr% eSus viuh l{kerk ds ckgj dksbZ dk;Z ugh fd;k u gh dksbZ fu;eksa dk mYya?ku fd;k gSA tgka rd vU; vuqcU/k] nks izfr'kr tekur jkf'k tek djds xfBr fd;s x;s] mudk dk;Z jaxkbZ] iqrkbZ ds dk;Z ls fHkUu gS] muds Bsdsnkjksa dk dk;Z {kerk] fo'oluh;rk rFkk dk;Z ds izfr ltx jgus dh izo`fRr dks ns[kdj gh ,slk fd;k x;k tks tufgr esa Fkk] lgh jgkA tgka rd bl izdj.k esa U;k;ky; Bsdsnkj ds i{k esa fn;s x;s fu.kZ; dk iz'u gS bl lEcUèk esa voxr djkuk gS fd Bsdsnkj }kjk U;k;ky; ds vkns'kksa ds fo:) voekuuk dk iz’u gS] bl lEcUèk esa ekuuh; U;k;ky; voekuuk vihy dks] tc muds le{k okLrfod oLrqfLFkr ls voxr djk;k x;k rks vihy fujLr dj nh x;h] d;ksafd Bsdsnkj dh vihy esa dksbZ iSzDVhdsoy Bksal vk/kkj ugh FkkA esjs }kjk fufgr vf/kdkjksa ,oa drZO;ksa ds izfr tkx:d gksdj gh fu.kZ; fy;s x;sA ;g dguk xyr gS fd tku cw>dj U;k;ky; ds vkns'kksa dk mYy?ku] voekuuk djrs gq;s] mijksDr dk;Z ds fy;s iqu% vkeaf+U=r fufonkvksa ds vkèkkj ij eSus ,oa lgk;d vfHk;Urk }kjk Bsdsnkjksa dks vuqfpr ykHk nsrs gq;s Å¡ph njksa ij vuqcUèk cuk;s x;s] iw.kZr;k vlR; gSA bl lEcU/k esa esjh izkFkZuk fuEu izdkj gSA eSa eqthcqjgZeku Bsdsnkj }kjk fnukad 15-7-1995 dks vLohd`r fufonkvksa ds fo:) /kjksgj jkf'k tek u djus ds dkj.k vuqcU/k xfBr u fd;k tk ldkA ftlds dkj.k dk;Z u gqvkA vr% vf/k'kklh vfHk;Urk ds drZO;ksa ds fufgr esa dfFkr dk;Z djokuk vfuok;Z Fkk] ftlds fy;s iqu% fufonk;sa fu;ekuqlkj ekaxh x;h rFkk vuqcU/k xfBr fd;s x;s ftudk fooj.k fuEu izdkj gS%& mijksDr fooj.k esa Jh eqthcqjgZeku dks fnukad 15-7-1995 dks tks nks fufonk;sa Lohd`r dh x;h Fkh] muesa dsoy mijksDr fooj.k vuqcUèk la[;k&1A,0bZ0&11A96&97 fnukad 30-4-1996 /kujkf'k :i;s 71530-00] vuqcU/k la[;k 3AbZ-bZ-A 96&97 fnukad 30-4-1996 /kujkf'k :i;s 273027-75 ds gh dk;Z lfEefyr Fks bu vuqcUèkksa ds fo:) dze'k% :0 53926-00 ,oa :i;s 254775-00 dk vFkkZr dqy :i;s 308701-00 dk dk;Z gqvkA vU; nks dk;Z tks mijksDr fooj.k esa dzekad 3] 4 ij vafdr fd;s x;s gS lfEefyr ugh FksA bl izdkj Jh eqthcqjgeku dh fufonk;sa tks :0 173767-00 rFkk :i;s 171111-00 dh ;ksx :i;s 344878-00 dh Fkh ds fo:) iqu% fufonk;sa Jh xq:nRr jke ds i{k esa :i;s 71530-00 o :i;s 273027 ;ksx :i;s 344557-75 ds vuqcU/k ds fo:) :i;s 308701-00 ftlesa :i;s 8008-00 dk ,DLVk vkbVe Hkh 'kkfey gS dk;Z djk;k] bl izdkj vki ns[ksxs fd iqu% fufonk;sa ekaxus ij dksbZ Hkh 'kklu dks gkfu ugh gqbZ gS fQj Hkh Jh eqthcqjgZeku dh fufonk Lohd`fr fnukad 15-7-1995 ls iqu% vuqcU/k djus dh frfFk 30-7-1996 rd yxHkx lk<s ukS ekg dk le; gksrk gSA bl vof/k esa lkexzh rFkk etnwjh dh njksa esa o`f) gqbZ] dks vki Lohdkj djsxs ;fn iqu% fufonk ekaxus ij vf/kd njksa ij Hkh tufgr esa dk;Z lEikfnr djk;k tkrk gS] rc [k.M dk vfèk'kklh vfHk;Urk blds fy;s dgka nks"kh gS] tks vk/kkj vkius vkjksi i= esa ysrs gq;s eq>s nks"kh Bgjk;k gS fd eSus iqu% fufonk;sa ekax dj :i;s 193963-25 dh 'kklu dks gkfu igqapk;h gS] vlR; gSA D;ksafd yks0fu0fo0 ds izR;sd [k.M esa dk;Z iwjk u gksus ij] vFkok fufonk fujLr gksus ij] vFkok Lohd`r fufonkvksa ds fo:) vuqcU/k xfBr u gksus ij iqu% fufonk;sa ekaxus ij le; O;rhr gksus ij lkexzh ,oa etnwjh dh njksa esa o`f) ds QyLo:i ykxr iwoZ ls LokHkkfod rkSj ij cM+h gqbZ /kujkf'k gh vkrh gSA izR;sd [k.M esa ;fn bl vk/kkj dks viuk;k tk;s fd iqu% fufonk ekaxus ij 'kklu dks gkfu gqbZ] dksbZ Hkh vf/k'kklh vfHk;Urk bl nks"k ls u cp ik;sxsA tc bl vk/kkj ij vusd vfèk'kklh nks"kh ugha Bgjk;s tk jgs gS rks eq> vf/k'kklh vfHk;Urk dks bl mn~ns'; ,oa Hkkouk ds vUrxZr vuko';d :i ls nks"kh u Bgjk;k tk;sA** 9. With regard to charge No. 3, the Enquiry Officer has recorded the following finding: fu"d"kZ %& 1- vfHkys[kksa ls Li"V gS fd vkjksih }kjk Jh eqthcqjZgeku ds Vs.Mjksa dh Lohd`fr ds ckn 2 izfr'kr tekur ij vuqcU/k ugh cuk;sa x;s tc fd [k.M es bldh izFkk pyh vk jgh Fkh rFkk vkjksih mDr Bsdsnkj ls 10 izfr'kr tekur tek djus gsrq ncko Mkyrs jgsA mijksDr Bsdsnkj }kjk 10 izfr'kr tek u djus ij vkjksih }kjk fnukad 5-8-95 dks mls VsUMj fujLr djus ,oa tekur tCr djus ds vkns'k tkjh dj fn;sA bl vkns'k ds fo:) Bsdsnj }kjk LFkkuh; U;k;ky; esa okn la0 894@95 nk;j dj fn;k rFkk mldk lEeu vkjksih ds rRdkyhu dk;kZy; esa fnukad 22-8-95 dks izkIr gks x;k rFkk bl okn esa ek0 U;k;ky; }kjk fnukad 15-12-95 dks fu"ks/kkKk iznku dj nh x;h rFkk mlh lwpuk vkjksih ds rRdkyhu dk;kZy; esa fnukad 18-1-96 ,oa 30-1-96 dks Bsdsnkj }kjk nh x;hA vkjksih ds vkns'kkuqlkj lgk;d vfHk;Urk }kjk fnukad 31-10-95 dks fnukad 16-11-95 rd iqu% fufonk;sa vkefU=r dh x;h rFkk budh Lohd`fr fnukad 15-1-96] 2-3-96 ,oa 30-4-96 dks nsrs ck.M xfBr fd;s x;sA bu fuofnkvksa dh Lohd`fr ls iwoZ ekuuh; U;k;ky; dh fuf"ks/kkKk fnukad 15-12-95 izHkkfor Fkh rFkk mldh osdsV ugha djk;k x;kA bl izdkj ls u;s ck.M cukus dh dk;Zokgh djds ekuuh; U;k;ky; ds vkns'kksa dh vogsyuk vkjksih }kjk dh x;hA 2- foHkkx }kjk izLrqr vfHkys[kksa ls Li"V gS fd Jh eqthcqjZgeku Bsdsnkj }kjk nh x;h njksa dh vis{kk ckn esa izkIr nwljs Bsdsnkjksa dh njsa dkQh vf/kd Fkh] ftldk fooj.k layXu rkfydk&1 ,oa mlds lkFk layXu 04 pkVZ esa fn;k x;k gS] ftlds vk/kkj ij ‘kklu dks :0 1]80]213-00 dh gkfu izR;{k :i ls gqbZ ftlds fy;s vkjksih mRrj nkbZ gSA vkjksi i= esa tks 'kklu dks :0 1]93]963-25 dh gkfu n'kkZ;h x;h gS ;g vuqcU/kksa dh èkujkf'k ij vk/kkfjr gSA v/kksgLrk{kjh }kjk gkfu dk vkadyu ^^okLrfod dk;Z lEiknu^^ ds vk/kkj ij fd;k x;k gSA ftl dk;Z dks u;s Bsdsnkjksa@Jh xq:nRr jke] Jh jfo'kadj xqIrk ,oa Jh gehn ls fofHkUu vuqcU/kksa ds ek/;e ls vkjksih }kjk lEikfnr djk;s x;s mudh ykxr Jh eqthcqjZgeku Bsdsnkj }kjk fn;s x;s njksa ij fudkyh x;h gSA dqN dk;Z u;s vuqcU/kksa esa ,sls gS tks Jh eqthcqjZgeku Bsdsnkj }kjk fn;s x;s Vs.Mjksa esa ugh gS] mudks fudky fn;k x;k gSA rhu dk;Z ,sls gS ftuesa eqthcqjZgeku ds Vs.Mj la0 931 ,oa 932 esa fHkUurk gSA vr% bu vkbVel gsrq Vs.Mj l0a 932 ds jsV gkfu vkadyu gsrq fy;s x;s gSA vr% vkjksi la0 3 ¼v½ izekf.kr gksrk gSA ¼c½ vkjksih }kjk Lfkkuh; U;k;ky; esa okn la0 894@95 dk izfrokn Mh0th0lh0 flfoy ds ekè;e ls lh/ks djk;k x;k tc fd funsZ'kkuqlkj 5000 :0 ls vf/kd ewY;kadu ds okn dks izfrokn djus dh vuqefr 'kklu ls izkIr djuh pkfg;s FkhA vkjksih }kjk 'kklu dh vuqefr ds fcuk izfrokn jktdh; fgr esa fd;k x;k gSA vr% blds fy;s mudks nks"kh Bgjk;k mfpr ugha gSA 19-5-99 10. On the receipt of the enquiry report, the Disciplinary authority issued a show-cause notice. The petitioner filed reply to the show-cause notice, which is referred hereinbelow. On the receipt of the enquiry report, the Disciplinary authority issued a show-cause notice. The petitioner filed reply to the show-cause notice, which is referred hereinbelow. 3- vkjksi la[;k&3 ds ckjs esa tks /kkj.kk ,oa laLrqfr tkap vf/kdkjh }kjk nh x;h gSA eSa mlls lger ugh gWwA blds dkj.k fuEufyf[kr fopkj gsrq izLrqr gSA Jh eqthcqjZgeku d s Vs.Mj l[a;k 931 fnukda 15-7-95 /kujkf'k :i;s 173767-00 ,oa Vs.Mj la[;k 932 fnukad 15-7-95 /kujkf'k :i;s 171111-00 dh Lohd`r dh x;h FkhA fufonkvksa dh 'krZ esa dksbZ Hkh ,slh 'krZ vafdr ugh Fkh ftlds vUrxZr 2 izfr'kr ij ckaM cukus dk izko/kku j[kk x;k FkkA vr% Bsdsnkj dks vuqcU/k xfBr djkus ds fy;s 10 izfr'kr /kujkf'k tek djuh pkfg;s Fkh] tSlk fd 10 izfr'kr /kujkf'k tek djkus ds 'kku ds fu;e gSA Bsdsnkj }kjk 10 izfr'kr /kujkf'k tek u djkus ij fufonkvksa dh Lohd`fr tks iwoZ esa dh x;h Fkh] fu;ekuqlkj fujLr djrs gq;s 2 izfr'kr /kujkf'k ljdkj ds i{k esa jktdh; fgr esa tCr dj yh x;h FkhA eSus fdlh Hkh foRrh; fu;eksa dk ,oa eq>s 'kklu }kjk iznRr vf/kdkjksa dk mYya?ku dgha ugha fd;kA 2- tkap vf/kdkjh dk er gS fd 2 izfr'kr /kujkf'k ij gh vuqcU/k xfBr djkdj dke djk fy;k tkrk gSA bl lEcU/k esa vki fopkj djs fd Jh eqthcqjZgeku Bsdsnkj }kjk nh x;h njs 35]37]40]95 izfr'kr rd de FkhA bu njksa ij Bsdsnkj }kjk dk;Z ekud ds vuqlkj lEiUu djkuk izSfDVdsfcy ugha FkkA nwljs Bsdsnkj }kjk fu/kkZfjr dk;Z ekud ls fuEu Lrj dk dk;Z eq>s Lohdkj u gksrk] bu nksuksa ifjfLFkfr;ksa esa Bsdsnkj dks chp esa gh dk;Z cUn djuk gksrk] ftlds QyLo:i vuqcU/k dh /kujkf'k ij 10 izfr'kr nj ls fu;ekuqlkj vFkZ n.M yxkdj vuqcU/k dks Qkbuy djuk gksrkA ,slh fLFkfr esa vuqcUèk 2 izfr'kr dh nj ls xfBr djus ij eq>s nks"kh Bgjkdj 8 izfr'kr eq>ls olwy dh tkrhA eSus vius nkf;Ro dk ,oa vf/kdkjks aleqfpr iz;ksx fd;kA 3- ;fn dksbZ Bsdsnkj dkYifud njsa viuh fufonkvksa esa vafdr djrk gS rc fufonk Lohd`fr ds ckn fujLr djus dk foHkkx ds izR;sd [k.M esa izpyu gSA izR;sd [k.M esa bl izdkj ds mnkgj.k ,d ugh gS vusd fey tk;sxsA eSa pkgwaxk ;fn esjs fo:) dksbZ olwyh ds vkns'k ikfjr fd;s tkrs gS rks vU; [k.Mksa esa tgka bl izdkj dh ?kVuk;sa ?kfVr gqbZ gS rks vU; vfèkdkfj;ksa ls Hkh olwyh esjs lkFk&lkFk dh tk;sA ftlls fd vkids fu.k;Z esa ;wfuQkeZ ikfylh jgs rFkk lcfU/kr dh /kkjk&14 dk mYya?ku u gks ldsA eSa ,d ckj fQj vkils vuqjks/k d:axk fd eq>s Hkkjr ds lafo/kku ds vuqlkj uSlfxZd U;k;@uSpqjy tfLVl@ls oafpr u fd;k tk;sA 4- Jh eqthcqjZgeku Bsdsnkj ds uke vuqcUèk la[;k 1AbZbZA95&96 fnukad 24-05-95 dk voyksdu djsaA bl Bsdsnkj us dke dks v/kwjk gh NksM+ fn;k Fkk] eq> bl Bsdsnkj dh dSisflVh dk vuqeku Fkk blh dkj.k vuqcU/k 2 izfr'kr ij xfBr djus dk vkSfpR; ugha Fkk vkSj u esjs }kjk dksbZ Jh fjLd gh fy;k tk ldrk Fkk fd eSa vo'ks"k 8 izfr'kr /kujkf'k vius osru ls vnk djrkA eSa fnukad 31-5-97 dks lsok fuo`Rr gks pqdk gWw isU'ku xzsP;wVh] dEI;wVs'ku dh Lohd`fr ls vc rd oafpr j[kk x;k gS rFkk ;g mRihMu vHkh Hkh tkjh gSA egksn; vkids fu.k;Z ds vuqlkj esjs fo:) dksbZ olwyh vkns'k tkjh gksuk gS rks mlls igys eSa ;g pkgwaxk fd eq>s uSlfxZd U;k; ikus ds fy;s U;k;ky; dh 'kj.k esa tkus dh vuqefr iznku djus dk d"V djsaA 11. Thereafter, the Disciplinary authority passed the impugned order and has awarded the punishment in respect of charge No. 3 directing to recover a sum of Rs.1,80,213/-. Thereafter, the Disciplinary authority passed the impugned order and has awarded the punishment in respect of charge No. 3 directing to recover a sum of Rs.1,80,213/-. The observations of the Disciplinary authority are as follows: tuin eqjknkckn esa vkoklhA vukoklh; Hkouksa dh jaxkbZ iqrkbZ ls /kujkf’k :i;k 1]73]676-00 ,oa :i;k 1]71]111-00 dh Lohd`fr nsus ds mijkUr nks izfr'kr tekur ij ckaM ugh cuk;s x;s tc fd [k.M esa nks izfr'kr ij ck.M cukus dh izFkk vk jgh FkhA Bsdsnkj }kjk tc vius i= fnukad 22-4-95 }kjk nks izfr'kr ij ck.M cukus ds fy;s vuqjksèk fd;k x;k rks muds vuqjks/k dks Lohdkj djrs gq;s fufonkvksa dh Lohd`fr;ksa okil ysdj Bsdsnkj dh nks izfr'kr tekur dh /kujkf'k tCr djus ds vkns'k fn;s FksA Bsdsnkj }kjk mDr vkns'kksa ds fo:) flfoy tt] eqjknkckn dh vnkyr us :i;k 3]44]878-00 dk okn la[;k 894@95 nk;j fd;k x;kA bl okn dk lEeu fnukad 22-8-95 dks vipkjh vf/kdkjh dks izkIr gvkA eqdnesa dh tkudkjh gksrs gq;s Hkh lEcfU/kr lgk;d vfHk;Urk bUpktZ ds i= fnukad 31-10-95 }kjk iqu% fufonk;sa vkeU=r dj nh x;hA mDr okn esa fnukad 15-12-95 dks fu"ks/kkKk tkjh dj nh ftldh lwpuk Bsdsnkj }kjk vius i= fnukad 18-1-96 ,oa fn0 30-6-96 }kjk nh x;h ijUrq ek0 U;k;ky; ds vkns'kksa dk mYya?kuA voekuuk djrs gq;s mUgh dk;ksZ ds fy;s tkucw>dj iqu% fufonk;sa vkeaf=r dj nh x;h rFkk Bsdsnkjksa dks vuqfpr ykHk nsus gsrq mfpr njksa ij 04 ck.M loZJh xq:nRrjke] jfo'kadj xqIrk ,oa Jh gehn ds dqy :i;k 4]24]455-25 iSls dh ykxr ds cuk;s x;sA ;fn Jh eqthcqjZgeku dh njksa ij dk;Z djk;k tkrk rks dk;Z dh ykxr 2]30]492-00 vkrhA bl izdkj ek0 U;k;ky; ds vkns'kksa dh voekuuk djrs gq;s nqljs Bsdsnkjksa ds i{k esa vuqcU/k cukdj dk;Z djk;s tkus ds QyLo:i :i;k 1]30]963-25 iSls dh gkfu gqbZA 2- tkap vf/kdkjh] eq[; vfHk;Urk] yksd fuekZ.k foHkkx mRrj if'peh {ks= cjsyh }kjk vius i= fnukad fnukad 21-5-1999 ds lkFk tkap vk[;k 'kklu dks miyC/k djk;h x;hA tkap vf/kdkjh }kjk Jh ';ke yky ds fo:) yxk;s x;s mijksDr 03 vkjksiksa esa ls vkjksi l[a;k 1 o 2 vkfa'kd :i ls izekf.kr ik;s x;s ftlesa dksbZ 'kkldh; {kfr gksuk ugha ik;k x;kA vkjksi la[;k 3 ftlesa dksbZ 'kkldh; {kfr gksuk ugha ik;k x;kA vkjksi la[;k 3 ftlesa Jh eqthcqjZgeku Bsdsnkj }kjk dh x;h fufonk njksa dh vis{kk okn esa nwljs Bsdsnkjksa }kjk mlh dk;Z ds fy;s nh x;h fufonk njs tks dkQh vf/kd Fkh] Lohd`r fd;s tkus ij 'kklu dks gqbZ {kfr :i;k&1]80]213-00 dk gksuk tkap esa iw.kZ :i ls fl) ik;k x;k gSA 3- mDr fl) ik;s x;s vkjksi ds lEcU/k esa 'kklu ds i= la[;k 2]648A 23&6&99&48 ¼3½AbZ0,eA96 fnukad 25-9-1999 ds lkFk tkap vf/kdkjh dh tkap vk[;k Jh ';ke yky dks ifjpkfyr dh x;h ftl ij muds i= fnukad 30-11-99 }kjk Li"Vhdj.k fn;k x;k ftlesa ;g mYys[k fd;k x;k fd ;fn 2 izfr'kr èkujkf'k ij gh vuqcU/k xfBr djkdj dk;Z djk fy;k tkrk rks Jh eqthcqjZgeku Bsdsnkj }kjk dk;Z ekuds ds vuqlkj lEiUu ugha djk;k tkrk rFkk Bsdsnkj }kjk fu/kkZfjr dk;Z ekud ls fuEu Lrj dk djk;k tkuk mUgs Lohdkj u gksrkA bu ifjfLFkfr;ksa esa Bsdsnkj dks chp esa gh dk;Z cUn djuk gksrk ftlds QyLo:i vuqcUèk dh /kujkf'k ij 10 izfr'kr dh nj ls fu;ekuqlkj vFkZ n.M yxkdj vuqcU/k dk Qkbuy djuk gksrkA ,slh fLFkfr esa vuqcU/k 2 izfr'kr dh nj ls xfBr djus ij mUgs nks"kh Bgjkdj 8 izfr'kr dh /kujkf'k muesa olwy dh tkrhA vr% muds }kjk vius nkf;Ro ,oa vf/kdkjksa dk oeqfpr iz;ksx fd;k x;kA 4- Jh ';ke yky lsok fuo`Rr vf/k'kklh vfHk;Urk }kjk fn;k x;k mDr Li"Vhdj.k ek= dYiuk ij vk/kkfjr gSA vr% muds dFku dks Lohdkj fd;k tkuk lEHko ugha gSA 5- vipkjh vf/kdkjh ds fo:) mDr fl) ik;s x;s vkjksi la[;k&3 ds fy;s mudh isa'kuAxzsP;qVh ls 'kkldh; {kfr 1]80]213&00 dh olwyh fd;s tkus dk vafUre fofu'p; fd;k x;k FkkA Jh ';ke yky ds fo:) fd;s x;s mDr vfUre fofu'p; ij yksd lsok vk;ksx] mRrj izns'k bykgkckn dh lgefr ekaxh x;h Fkh tks muds i= fnukad 26-7-2000 }kjk 'kklu dks miyC/k djk;h x;hA 6- vr,o Jh jkT;iky Jh ';ke yky lsok fuo`Rr vf/k'kklh vfHk;Urk ds fo:) mDr fl) ik;h x;h vfu;ferrkvksa ds fy;s mudh isU'kuA xzsP;qVh ls 'kkldh; {kfr :i;k 1]80]213-00 ¼,d yk[k vLlh gtkj nks lkS rsjg :i;k ek=½ dk olwyh fd;s tkus dh Lohd`fr iznku djrs gS rFkk Jh ';ke yky ds fo:) izpfyr mDr vuq'kklfud dk;Zokgh ,rn }kjk lekIr dh tkrh gSA jkT; iky dh vkKk ls gjjkt fd'kksj lfpo 12. Against the order of the Disciplinary authority, the petitioner filed the Appeal. The appellate authority rejected the Appeal and while rejecting the Appeal, passed the following order: vfu;ferrkvksa dh tkap iw.kZ djds tkap vf/kdkjh }kjk viuh tkap fjiksVZ 'kklu dks fnukad 21-5-99 dks miyC/k djk;h x;hA ijh{k.kksijkUr nks"k fl) ik;s tkus ij yksd lsok vk;ksx dh lgefr -------- mijkUr 'kklu ds dk;kZy; Kki la[;k 3940A23&6&2000&48¼3½ bZ0,e0A96 fnukad 19-9-2000 ds }kjk Jh ';ke yky] lsok fuo`Rr vf/k0vfHk0 dh isU'kuA xzsP;wVh ls 'kkldh; {kfr :i;k 1]80]213@& dh olwyh fd;s tkus dk n.Mkns'k fuxZr fd;k x;kA mDr n.Mkns'k ds fo:) Jh ';ke yky lsok fuo`Rr vf/k vfHk0 dk esefj;y muds i= fnukad 15-1-2001 ds }kjk izkIr gqvk ftlesa Jh ';ke yky us dfri; rF;ksa dks m)jr djrs gq;s iz'uxr olwyh dks fujLr fd;s tkus dk vuqjksèk fd;k gSA Jh ';ke yky ds eseksfj;y dk ijh{k.k 'kklu Lrj ij fd;k x;k] ftuesa ;g ik;k x;k fd Jh ';ke yky] rRdk0 vfèk0vfHk0 us mUgh ckrksa dks nksgjk;k gS tks mUgksus iwoZ esa tkap vf/kdkjh dks vius vH;kosnu esa nh FkhA vr% eseksfj;y cyghu ik;s tkus ij bls vLohdkj fd;s tkus dk fu.kZ; fy;k x;k gSA vr,o Jh jkT;iky egksn; Jh ';ke yky lsokfuo`Rr vf/k'kklh vfHk;Urk ds eseksfj;y dks cyghu ikrs gq;s bls vLohdkj fd;s tkus dh lg"kZ Lohd`fr iznku djrs gSA 13. We have considered rival submissions and perused the materials on record. 14. The punishment of recovery of a sum of Rs.1,80,213/= has been awarded against the petitioner mainly on the basis of charge No. 3. Charge No. 3 relates to two contracts, against two separate tenders dated 15.7.1995, for Rs.1,73,767/- and Rs. 1,71,111/- total valuing Rs.3,44,878/-, awarded to one Muzeebur Rahman, for white washing of residential and non-residential building, had been cancelled for want of non-furnishing of 10% security, which, according to respondents, subsequently, had been awarded against four separate tenders, two dated 30.4.1996, one dated 2.2.1996 and the fourth dated 15.1.1996, for a total sum of Rs. 4,24,445/=. It has been alleged that though Muzeebur Rahman made a request for furnishing the security at the rate of Rs.2%, but the petitioner insisted for furnishing the security at the rate of 10% whereas in other cases, the contract has been executed after accepting the security at the rate of 2% only. 4,24,445/=. It has been alleged that though Muzeebur Rahman made a request for furnishing the security at the rate of Rs.2%, but the petitioner insisted for furnishing the security at the rate of 10% whereas in other cases, the contract has been executed after accepting the security at the rate of 2% only. It has also been alleged that despite interim order passed by the Court below, in a suit filed by Mujiburrahman, the contract has not been executed after taking the security amount at the rate of 2%. The allegation is that subsequently the contract has been awarded on a higher amount, causing loss to the department. 15. The petitioner, in his submission, has categorically stated the reason as to why the contract awarded in favour of Muziburrahman had been cancelled. It was explained that under the contract, legally 10% security amount was to be deposited. Further, Muzeebur Rahman had been awarded contract earlier also, but he could not execute the contract properly within time and ultimately the contract was to be cancelled and the security amount was forfeited. It was also explained that the rate which he offered under the contract was impracticable and on the said rate, it was not possible to complete the contract and having regard to his past conduct, the petitioner insisted for deposit of 10% security, which Muzeebur Rahman failed to deposit and, therefore, the contract was cancelled. It was further explained that subsequently the contract was awarded on a little higher side because of the inflation in the price of the raw materials. It has also been stated that the contract, which was awarded to Muzeebur Rahman was awarded to one Gurudatt Ram for the sums of Rs. 71530/- and Rs. 2,73027-75/-, that is, for a total sum of Rs.3,44,557-75, after taking the security deposit at the rate of 10% and against the said contract, he has only executed the contract for Rs.3,08,701/=. The remaining two contracts were not related to the contracts awarded to Muzeebur Rahman. 16. It has been submitted by the petitioner that he acted in bona fide manner and in due diligence as well as in the interest of the department. 17. On a perusal of the impugned order, we find that the explanation of the petitioner has not been considered in a right and correct perspective. 16. It has been submitted by the petitioner that he acted in bona fide manner and in due diligence as well as in the interest of the department. 17. On a perusal of the impugned order, we find that the explanation of the petitioner has not been considered in a right and correct perspective. The Disciplinary authority has not assigned any reason for not accepting the explanation of the petitioner, for not accepting the contract of Muzeebur Rahman and asking for furnishing 10% security. It appears to be plausible. Having regard to the past conduct of Muzeebur Rahman that he could not execute the earlier contract properly, if the petitioner insisted for deposit of the 10% security, which had been demanded legally as per the terms and conditions of the contract, the conduct of the petitioner cannot be said to be misconduct. The respondents are not able to demonstrate that under the similar circumstances, as existed in the present case, the security at the rate of 2% has been accepted by the petitioner. The explanation of the petitioner that the quantum of loss alleged to have been suffered by the revenue at Rs.1,80,213/= was incorrect and without any basis. Neither it has been referred nor has been considered. No case of any extraneous consideration or misappropriation of money has been made out. 18. In the facts and circumstances, we find that the petitioner acted bonafidely, with due diligence and in the interest of the department. We are further of the view that the explanation offered by the petitioner was plausible, but the Disciplinary authority, without considering the explanation in proper and correct perspective, without recording any reason for not accepting the explanation, has illegally awarded the punishment. The order of punishment, therefore, is not sustainable. 19. The appellate order is wholly unreasoned and non-speaking order. In the appellate order neither the explanation nor the submissions of the petitioner has been considered. No reason for not accepting the submissions of the petitioner has been recorded. The appellate order, being a non-speaking, unreasoned and cryptic order is also not sustainable. 20. In the result, the writ petition is allowed. The impugned order dated 19.9.2000 (Annexure-9 to the writ petition) and the order dated 6.10.2001 (Annexure-11 to the writ petition) are hereby quashed.