HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY WRIT PETITION No.24280 OF 2011 ORDER: The petitioner was employed as Driver on contract basis in the Kadapa Depot of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (for short ‘the Corporation’). On 23-10-2008, he was entrusted with the duties of a one-man service. A check was effected on the route. It was found that the petitioner was collected a sum of Rs.200/- from a passenger but did not issue ticket. Charge memo was issued on 24-10-2008 and the Depot Manager, Kadapa Depot, the 3rd respondent herein, passed an order, dated 01-11-2008, terminating the services of the petitioner. Appeal filed before the Regional Manger, the 2nd respondent herein, was rejected on 18-03-2009. Hence, this writ petition. 2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Standing Counsel for the respondents. 3. The services of the petitioner were no doubt contractual in nature. However, it was incumbent upon the 3rd respondent to conduct enquiry before a major punishment was passed. Admittedly, no Enquiry Officer was appointed, much less, domestic enquiry was conducted. On this short ground, the impugned order is liable to be set aside. However, in view of the gravity of the charge, this Court is not inclined direct re-instatement of the petitioner. 4. Accordingly, the Writ Petition is allowed and the impugned order is set aside. As a consequence of quashing of the impugned order, the 3rd respondent shall appoint an Enquiry Officer and conclude the disciplinary proceedings against the petitioner within a period of three (3) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. There shall be no order as to costs. ____________________ L. NARASIMHA REDDY, J August 29, 2011. KTL