IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA CWJC No.11184 of 2002 ARUN KUMAR SHARMA Versus THE STATE OF BIHAR & ORS ----------- 3. 3.3.2009 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and the State. The petitioner is aggrieved by the order dated 6.9.1999 and imposition of punishment of withholding of three increments with cumulative effect as also reduction to initial pay scale. His revision and appeal against the same has also been dismissed. No counter affidavit has been filed. It is the specific case of the petitioner in the writ application that this major punishment of stoppage of three increments with cumulative effect has been passed without initiation of departmental proceeding, framing of charges and an enquiry report. The law is settled that no major punishment can be imposed without a full fledged departmental enquiry. In absence of the counter affidavit, this Court has no option but to hold that the order of punishment is vitiated for absence of any departmental proceeding. From the documents annexed to the writ petition, it does not appear that any regular departmental proceeding was held against the petitioner. The order of punishment dated 6.9.1999 is, therefore, set aside. The writ application is allowed. P. Kumar (Navin Sinha, J.)