THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.24969 of 2010 ORDER: The petitioner is working as Assistant Depot Clerk in Palasa Depot of APSRTC. A charge sheet was issued on 14.09.1999, alleging that he received a short of bus cash of Rs.28.50 paise, from one Conductor by name, P.S.Chalam. The petitioner submitted his explanation on 22.07.2001. Taking the same into account, the 3rd respondent passed an order, dated 02.08.2002, imposing the punishment of deferment of one annual increment with cumulative effect. The departmental remedies of appeal and revision availed by the petitioner did not yield any result. Hence, this Writ Petition. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Standing Counsel for the respondents. There is not even an allegation that the petitioner misappropriated the amount. The only charge against him is that he did not notice shortage of Rs.28.50. Unless there is any intention on the part of the petitioner, either to misappropriate the amount, or to help the conductor concerned to overcome any act of misconduct, he cannot be subjected to such a serious punishment. Though the deferment of increment for a period of one year may not result in any financial loss as such, the cumulative effect given to it would have its adverse impact upon the salary of the petitioner for the rest of his career. Further, the punishment of this nature is a major one, which requires a departmental enquiry before it is inflicted. Hence, this Writ Petition is partly allowed, modifying the impugned order to the effect that the punishment imposed against the petitioner shall be without cumulative effect and that he shall not be entitled to any monetary benefit that may accrue till today, on account of such modification. There shall be no order as costs. _____________________ L. NARASIMHA REDDY, J. Dt.05.10.2010. GJ