THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.24871 of 2011 ORDER: The petitioner is working as a driver in the Uppal Depot of APSRTC. A charge sheet was issued to him on 29.11.2003, alleging that the petitioner has broken the front windscreen of the bus. The petitioner submitted his explanation, denying the allegation. Through order, dated 04.05.2004, the 3rd respondent imposed the punishment of deferment two increments with cumulative effect. The appeal was dismissed. However, in the review, the punishment was modified to the one of deferment of one increment with cumulative effect. The petitioner feels aggrieved by the punishment imposed upon him. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned standing counsel for the respondents. The deferment of increment with cumulative effect is a major penalty that can be imposed only after conducting the departmental enquiry. Further, it would have its own effect upon the emoluments of the employee to the rest of the service. The only allegation against the petitioner is that he has broken a windscreen. At the most the respondents could have recovered the cost of the broken or damaged part. The effect of the punishment upon the salary of the petitioner would run to several thousands of rupees, in terms of money. This Court is of the view that the punishment can be reduced to the one without cumulative effect but denying any back wages to the petitioner on that amount. The writ petition is partly allowed modifying the impugned order to the one of imposing punishment of stoppage of one increment without cumulative effect. However, the petitioner shall not be entitled to be paid arrears on account of this order. There shall be no order as to costs. _______________________ L.NARASIMHA REDDY, J Dt:06.09.2011 GJ