CWP-T No. 2654 of 2008. 3.7.2009 Present: Mr. A.K. Gupta, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. P.K. Sharma, Addl. A.G. with Mr. P.M. Negi, Dy. A.G. for the respondents. The disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the petitioner under Rule 14 of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 vide memorandum dated 6.11.2001. Shri J.S. Chandel, Joint Director of Agriculture was appointed as an Inquiry Officer. He submitted the inquiry report to the Disciplinary Authority on 19.4.2003. A copy of the inquiry report was supplied to the petitioner for making representation. He made a representation on 18.6.2003. The Disciplinary Authority imposed the penalty of removal from Government service upon the petitioner on 22.9.2007. He preferred an appeal before the Principal Secretary (Agriculture) against the imposition of penalty. The same was decided by the Appellate Authority on 30.11.2007. A bare perusal of Annexure P-10 reveals non- application of mind. The order is non-speaking. It is settled law by now that the appellate order must be a speaking order as held by their Lordships of the Hon’ble Supreme court in Narinder Mohan Arya versus United India Insurance Co. Ltd. And others, (2006) 4 SCC 713, State of Uttaranchal and others versus Kharak Singh (2008) 8 SCC 236 and in a latest judgment rendered in Roop Singh Negi versus Punjab National Bank and o thers, 2009 (1) Scale 284. In view of the law laid down by their Lordships, we are of the considered opinion that the appeal of the petitioner ought to have been decided by a speaking order. Accordingly, Annexure P-10 dated 30.11.2007 is quashed and set aside. The Appellate Authority is directed to decide the appeal afresh by a speaking order within a period of four weeks from today. The petitioner shall also be afforded an opportunity of personal hearing. With the above observations, the petition stands disposed of. No costs. (R.B. Misra), J. (Rajiv Sharma), J. July 3, 2009. (cr)