THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY WRIT PETITION No.3628 of 2002 ORDER: The petitioners are employees of Hindupur Depot of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (for short ‘the Corporation’). Together with them, several others were extended the incentive amounts between April, 1998 and November, 2000. An audit was conducted into the accounts of the Depot. Objection was raised by the Accounts Officer, through proceedings, dated 11.06.2001, as to the payment of incentive amounts to the petitioners and certain others. Acting on that, the Depot Manager, respondent No.3 herein, passed orders, dated 14.02.2002, directing recovery of a sum of Rs.3,48,464/- said to be paid in excess as incentive amounts between April 1998 and November, 2000 from the employees concerned at the rate of Rs.100/- per month till total recovery. The petitioners feel aggrieved by the same. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned Standing Counsel for the respondents. The Corporation introduced certain schemes for providing incentives to its employees. For example, in case the cancellation of the services in terms of kilo meters was less than 3%, the operational staff were paid incentive amounts. The petitioners and other employees were paid different amounts over the period. Assuming that any irregularity has taken place in extending such benefits, the respondents could have recovered the amount from the petitioners or other employees only by issuing notice requiring them to explain as to why the amount be not recovered. In a given case, the employees may be able to convince the authorities that the amount was paid strictly in terms of the scheme. The impugned order is passed clearly in violation of the principles of natural justice. On this short ground, the writ petition is allowed and the impugned order is set aside. It is directed that in case the respondents still feel the necessity of affecting recovery, it shall be open to them to do so by issuing notice to the affected parties. There shall be no order as to costs. _______________________ L.NARASIMHA REDDY,J Dt: 21.12.2010. kdl