IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE, ANDHRA PRADESH AT HYDERABAD (Special Original Jurisdiction) TUESDAY, THE SECOND DAY OF FEBRUARY TWO THOUSAND AND TEN PRESENT THE HON'BLE MS JUSTICE G.ROHINI WRIT PETITION No. 1177 OF 2010 Between: G.Ravinder ..... PETITIONER AND The APSRTC rep by its Managing Director, Musheerabad, Hyderabad and another .....RESPONDENTS Counsel for the Petitioner: Counsel for the Respondents: The Court made the following : THE HON'BLE MS JUSTICE G.ROHINI WRIT PETITION No. 1177 of 2010 ORDER : The petitioner herein is working as a Conductor in Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation. Alleging certain cash and ticket irregularities, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him vide charge sheet dated 17.06.2009. The petitioner submitted his explanation and having considered the same, the disciplinary authority by proceedings dated 29.12.2009 called upon the petitioner to show cause within seven days, from the date of receipt of the said notice as to why the proposed penalty of removal from service shall not be imposed upon him. The petitioner states that the said notice was received by him on 05.01.2010 and on 11.01.2010, he made a representation requesting to extend the time by two weeks, since he was unwell and was hospitalised. However, without considering the request of the petitioner, the impugned order dated 15.01.2010 came to be passed removing the petitioner from service with immediate effect. Aggrieved by the same, the present writ petition is filed contending inter alia that the impugned action of the respondents without giving him a reasonable opportunity to make his representation in response to the show cause notice dated 29.12.2009 is arbitrary, illegal and violative of the principles of natural justice. Learned Standing Counsel for the Corporation under instructions stated that the representation made by the petitioner dated 11.01.2010 seeking extension of time for submitting his explanation was received in the office of the Corporation on 11.01.2010 itself. If that be so, the respondents were not justified in passing the impugned order of removal and consequently the same being violative of the fundamental principles of natural justice is liable to be set aside on that ground alone. Accordingly, the impugned order is hereby set aside and the Writ Petition is disposed of permitting the petitioner to submit his explanation to the show cause notice dated 29.12.2009 within one week from the date of receipt of this order. Thereafter, it is open to the respondents to pass appropriate orders in accordance with law. No costs. _____________ G. ROHINI, J. Date: 02.02.2010 Note: Issue CC in three days (B/O) Ivd