IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE, ANDHRA PRADESH AT HYDERABAD THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE N.V. RAMANA WRIT PETITION No. 17713 of 2007 DATED: 21.8.2007 Between: T.N. Rao petitioner And APSRTC Rep by its Managing Director Bus Bhavan, Mushirabad, Hyderabad & ors Respondents THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE N.V. RAMANA WRIT PETITION NO : 17713 of 2007 ORAL ORDER: This writ petition is filed seeking Writ of Mandamus declaring the action of the respondents in passing the impugned order dated 23.3.1996 imposing punishment of deferment of annual increment for a period of one year with cumulative effect, without conducting any enquiry. The case of the petitioner is that he is employed as Conductor in the respondent corporation. While so, he was issued with a charge sheet dated 30.1.1996 alleging unauthorized absence. The petitioner submitted his explanation, however without considering the same and without conducting any enquiry, final order dated 22.3.1996 was issued imposing the penalty of deferment of annual increments for a period of one year with cumulative effect. Learned counsel for petitioner contends that punishment of deferment of increments for a period of one year with cumulative effect is a major penalty and the same cannot be imposed without conducting regular departmental enquiry as contemplated under the APSRTC Employees’ (CC & A) Regulations. On the other hand, learned Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the respondents-corporation vehemently opposed the said contention and submitted that respondent No.3 after careful consideration of the entire evidence available on record together with the explanation submitted by the petitioner, has passed the impugned order, hence, no reasons to interfere with the same. Heard the learned counsel for petitioner and learned Standing Counsel for respondent Corporation. Both counsel agreed for disposal of the writ petition at the admission stage. Admittedly, without conducting any enquiry, the petitioner was imposed with punishment of deferment of annual increment for a period of one year with cumulative effect by orders dated 22.3.1996, which is in violation of the principles of natural justice and the impugned orders are liable to set aside. During the course of arguments, learned counsel for petitioner and learned Standing Counsel for respondent corporation agreed for disposal of the writ petition with a direction to the respondents to conduct regular departmental enquiry and to pass appropriate orders in accordance with law. Having regard to the fact that the major punishment of deferment of annual increments for a period of one year with cumulative effect was imposed vide impugned orders without conducting regular departmental enquiry, the impugned orders dated 22.3.1996 are set aside and in view of the agreed stand taken by both the counsel, the respondents are directed to conduct the regular departmental enquiry into the charges alleged against the petitioner and to pass appropriate orders in accordance with law. Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs. ____________ N.V.RAMANA,J DATE: 21.8.2007 TVK 58 THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE N.V. RAMANA WRIT PETITION No. 17713 of 2007 DATED: 21.8.2007