THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE NOOTY RAMAMOHANA RAO WRIT PETITION No. 7702 OF 2011 O R D E R: The petitioner was appointed on contract basis as a driver on 8.5.2006. After some time, by an order dated 17.12.2008 passed by the Depot Manager, Shadnagar Bus Depot, Mahabubnagar, he was terminated from service on the ground of continuous absenteeism from 16.10.2008 to 17.12.2008. No enquiry was conducted before the order of termination was passed. Subsequently, against the order of termination, he preferred appeal to the Dy. Chief Traffic Manager, Mahabubnagar Region, who in turn rejected the appeal as time barred. Then, against the said order, he preferred appeal before the reviewing authority - Regional Manager, Mahabubnagar Region, and the same was allowed on 9.11.2010, ordering his re-engagement as a fresh driver on contract basis. The grievance of the writ petitioner is that while issuing orders of re-engagement, the respondents did not extend the benefit of continuity of service. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Standing Counsel for the respondents. Identical issue was dealt with by this Court in W.P. No. 8090 of 2010. Through order, dated 12.04.2010, this Court held that the contractual employees, who are re-engaged on the orders of removal being set aside, are entitled to the benefit of past service. Following the same, the Writ Petition is allowed and the benefit of past service rendered by the writ petitioner prior to removal be counted for the purpose of regularization and terminal benefits. No costs. ---------------------------------- (NOOTY RAMAMOHANA RAO, J) 25th March 2011 knk