THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY WRIT PETITION No. 5431 OF 2008 Dt: 13th March 2008 Between: K. Kanakaiah …Petitioner and The Depot Manager, APSRTC, Siddipet Depot, Medak District. …Respondents THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY WRIT PETITION No. 5431 OF 2008 O R D E R: The petitioner is working as a driver in the Siddipet Depot of APSRTC. He was placed under suspension by the respondent, through order, dated 3.3.2008. A charge sheet was also issued on the same day, wherein it was alleged that the petitioner attempted to commit theft of Serviceable Spring Blades from the Depot, at the early hours of 7.2.2008, while moving the bus bearing No.AP-11Z-1168. Another allegation is that the petitioner insisted on the security guard, to record a different time than the one, at which the bus was actually brought to the spot. The petitioner challenges the order of suspension, alleging that it was issued with a malafide intention to mar his reputation. It is stated that the petitioner is the leader of a trade union, and the attempt of the respondent is only to ensure that the activities of the petitioner are hampered. Heard Sri A. Thirupathi Reddy, learned counsel for the petitioner, and Smt. B.G.Uma Devi, learned counsel for the respondent. It is only in very rare cases that this court would interfere with the orders of suspension, pending enquiry. It is always within the discretion of an employer to place an employee under suspension, if any enquiry into grave charges is contemplated. The truth, or otherwise of the allegations, against the employee, needs to be examined, only in the departmental enquiry. An order of suspension can be interfered, if only it was issued by an authority, not vested with the power, or where it is tainted with malafides. Such a situation does not exist in this case. Hence, the writ petition is dismissed. It is, however, directed that the respondent shall conclude the disciplinary proceedings, within four weeks, from the date of receipt of the explanation from the petitioner. There shall be no order as to costs. _________________ 13th March 2008 PAN