THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY WRIT PETITION No.28596 of 2010 ORDER: The petitioner was appointed as a Conductor in the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation in the year 2007. Through order, dated 16.06.2007, the Depot Manager, Narayankhed, respondent No.4 herein, removed the petitioner from service after conducting enquiry on the ground of unauthorized absence. The appeal preferred by the petitioner was rejected, but in the review, the Regional Manager, respondent No.2 herein, passed an order, dated 12.03.2010, directing that the petitioner be reinstated into service as a fresh candidate. The benefit of all his past service was denied for all purposes. The petitioner feels aggrieved by the said order. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Standing Counsel for the respondents. Respondent No.2 is competent to impose any punishment of his choice in the place of the one of removal from service. However, that shall be the one, which finds place in the Regulations. Directing as to appointment of a Driver afresh is not treated as punishment. This Court in K.C.Narayana Vs. Managing Director, A.P.S.R.T.C., Hyderabad[1] has taken a view that the Regional Manager is not empowered to impose such a punishment. Strictly speaking, the matter must go back for fresh consideration and disposal. However, having regard to the fact that the petitioner remained unauthorisedly absent, this Court feels that the direction for reinstatement of the petitioner into service, but without back wages and restricting the continuity of service only for the purpose of terminal benefits would meet the ends of justice. Therefore, the writ petition is disposed of modifying the order, dated 12.03.2010, passed by respondent No.2 to be the one of reinstatement of the petitioner into service, but without back wages. The past service rendered by the petitioner shall be reckoned only for the purpose of computation of retirement benefits and not any other purposes. There shall be no order as to costs. _______________________ L.NARASIMHA REDDY,J Dt: 19.11.2010. kdl [1] 2007(5) ALD 416