THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.23533 2011 ORDER: The petitioner is working as Driver in the Kakinada Depot of A.P.S.R.T.C. On 24-07-2011, he was entrusted with the duty of driving and conducting one-man service from Kakinada to Vijayawada. On a check conducted in the route, it emerged that the petitioner failed to collect the fare of Rs.122/- from two passengers, who boarded the Bus at Ramachandrapuram. A charge-sheet was issued on 06-08-2011, and on the same day, the petitioner was placed under suspension. The petitioner challenges the same. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Standing Counsel for the respondent. The disciplinary proceedings are initiated against the petitioner by framing a charge, that he failed to collect the fare, and issue tickets to two passengers. The truth or otherwise thereof, needs to be decided in the departmental enquiry. Having regard to the nature of allegation, the action of the Depot Manager, Kakinada, suspending the petitioner, pending enquiry, cannot be said to be illegal. The charge-sheet is already served, and the petitioner may have submitted his explanation. The purport of the enquiry is very limited, and the entire proceedings can be concluded, may be in a span of two months. If for any reason, the proceedings are not concluded, the respondent can reinstate the petitioner. Hence, the writ petition is disposed of, directing that the respondent shall conclude the enquiry initiated against the petitioner within two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, and the petitioner shall extend his full cooperation for that purpose. In case the enquiry is not concluded within two months, despite the cooperation extended by the petitioner, the Depot Manager, Kakinada, shall reinstate the petitioner, without prejudice to the on-going enquiry; and such reinstatement shall be subject to the outcome of the enquiry. There shall be no order as to costs. _______________________ L. NARASIMHA REDDY, J. Dt.23-08-2011. KO