THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.13412 of 2008 ORDER: The petitioner is employed as a Driver in the A.P.S.R.T.C., in the year 1981. A charge-sheet dated 14-03-1997 was served on the petitioner, requiring him to explain as to why disciplinary action shall not be taken against him for his unauthorized absence for a period of two months. On considering the explanation submitted by the petitioner, the Depot Manager, the 1st respondent herein, passed an order dated 02-12-1997, imposing the punishment of stoppage of one increment with cumulative effect. The remedies of appeal and review availed by the petitioner were not successful. At his instance, the dispute was referred to the Industrial Tribunal-cum-Labour Court, Godavarikhani, and it was taken up as I.D.No.16 of 2006. The Tribunal passed an award dated 01-06-2007, upholding the punishment imposed by the 1st respondent. The Award is challenged in this Writ Petition. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Standing Counsel for the respondents. It is not in dispute that the petitioner remained absent from 10- 01-1997 to 03-03-1997, without applying for any leave. He is said to have suffered Jaundice. It is not such a disease, as to make the petitioner immobile, instantly. Even if the disease of the petitioner was serious, he could have forwarded letter through one of his family members, or at least by post. Remaining absent for 2 ½ months would certainly effect the functioning of the Depot. The 1st respondent as well as the Labour Court have examined the matter, in detail, and arrived at the conclusion that the petitioner deserves the punishment of stoppage of one increment with cumulative effect, for his unauthorized absence, for a period of 2 ½ months. This Court is not inclined to interfere with the Award. The writ petition is accordingly dismissed. There shall be no order as to costs. _______________________ L. NARASIMHA REDDY, J. Dt.26-06-2008. KO