CWP(T) No. 5167/2008(OA 1300/98) 28.04.2010 Present: Mr. Virender Verma, Advocate, for the petitioner. Mr. R. K. Sharma, Sr. Addl. Advocate General with Mr. P. M. Negi, Deputy Advocate General for the respondents. The petitioner has assailed the office order dated 29.12.1997 whereby a sum of Rs. 33,875.95 has been withheld from his retiral benefits. Undisputedly the petitioner was holding the charge as Junior Engineer at Rohru Sub Division, Rohru Section. There was certain shortfall in the items allegedly entrusted to him and as such the amount was deducted. Before passing of the impugned order the petitioner was not afforded opportunity of hearing nor was any show cause notice issued to him. The petition being O.A. No. 1300/1998 was filed before the erstwhile Himachal Pradesh Administrative Tribunal, at Shimla which stands transferred to this Court. The amount stands recovered. 2. In these circumstances it is directed that the respondents shall afford opportunity to the petitioner to explain the shortfall in the goods. Thereafter the respondents shall take a decision by furnishing reasons. The needful shall positively be done within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of the certified copy. If it is found that the amount was not to be deducted or was not due and payable by the petitioner to the State the same shall be released to the petitioner within the aforesaid period. 3. With the aforesaid observations the present petition stands disposed of. (Sanjay Karol), Judge. April 28, 2010 (PK)