IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATES OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH. C.W.P. No. 2693 of 2009. [O&M] Date of Decision: 16th March, 2010. Amrit Lal Petitioner through Mr. H.S.Sethi, Advocate Versus State of Punjab & Ors. Respondents through Mrs. Charu Tuli, Sr. DAG, Punjab. CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SURYA KANT. 1. Whether Reporters of local papers may be allowed to see the judgment? 2. To be referred to the Reporters or not? 3. Whether the judgment should be reported in the Digest? SURYA KANT, J. [ORAL] The petitioner, while working as a Senior Assistant in the Government Mental Hospital, Amritsar, was charge-sheeted on 23.10.2001, followed by a regular inquiry. Pursuant to the findings returned against him by the Inquiry Officer, the Disciplinary Authority passed the order dated 17.4.2008 [Annexure P-2] whereby punishment of recovery of Rs.40,961/- was imposed. The petitioner preferred a statutory appeal under the Punjab Civil Services [Punishment and Appeal] Rules, 1970 which has been turned down by the State Government vide order dated 5.9.2008 [Annexure P-4] which reads as follows:- “Reference your appeal preferred to the Govt. vide dated 30.5.2008, on the subject noted above. 2. After having considered your appeal the same has been rejected being devoid of any merit therein. You are directed to deposit the amount on account of recovery in the Treasury and a receipt to this effect may be sent to the Govt”. As may be seen, no reason whatsoever has been assigned by the Appellate Authority while rejecting the petitioner's appeal. The appellate order is totally cryptic and laconic and does not meet the requirements of the principles of natural justice and fair play. The appellate order dated 5.9.2008, thus, can not sustain and is hereby quashed. The Appellate Authority is directed to decide the appeal of the petitioner afresh, in accordance with law, as expeditiously as possible and preferably within a period of four months from the date a certified copy of this order is received and after affording an opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner. Disposed of. Dasti. March 16, 2010. ( SURYA KANT ) dinesh JUDGE