THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY WRIT PETITION No. 15085 OF 2008 O R D E R: The petitioner is working as Driver in the Eluru Depot of APSRTC. On 11.5.2008, he was entrusted with the duty of driving the bus from Eluru to BHEL (Hyderabad). A charge sheet dated 22.5.2008 was issued, alleging that when the bus reached Hayatnagar, it dashed against a vehicle in front of it, and the same resulted in damage of the wind screen and also to the headlights. The damage was estimated at Rs.25,000/-. A supplementary charge sheet is also framed, to the effect that the petitioner did not inform the incident to any one. On the same day, the respondent passed an order, placing the petitioner under suspension. The petitioner challenges the order of suspension. Heard Sri P. Sridhar Rao, learned counsel for the petitioner and Sri C. Prakash Reddy, learned Standing Counsel for the respondent. The petitioner is accused of driving the bus, in a rash and negligent manner, which in turn, is said to have resulted in damage to the wind screen and headlights. The petitioner states that the minor incident occurred, on account of the fact that the vehicle, which was proceeding in front of him, came to a sudden halt, and in spite of his best efforts, he could not prevent his vehicle from touching the other one. In a long journey, covering about 500 K.Ms. each way, the uncertainties on the roads are not difficult to imagine. It is not as if the petitioner lost control over the vehicle, or that he caused any accident. If the vehicle is proceeding in an average speed, and the one in front it, had come to a sudden halt, there is every likelihood of a mishap, in spite of best efforts of the driver. At any rate, the question, as to whether the petitioner is guilty of any negligence, needs to be examined in the departmental enquiry. Nearly two months have elapsed, ever since the petitioner has been placed under suspension. The charge is not so grave, as to warrant the suspension of the petitioner. For the foregoing reasons, the writ petition is allowed, and the order dated 22.5.2008, suspending the petitioner from service, is set aside. The respondent shall endeavour to conclude the disciplinary proceedings, as early as possible. There shall be no order as to costs. ________________ 15th July 2007 PAN