HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE NOOTY RAMAMOHANA RAO WRIT PETITION No.4106 of 2011 Date: February 22, 2011 Between: A. Surender Reddy … Petitioner And 1. The AP State Road Transport Corporation, rep. by its Regional Manager, Hyderabad Region, Hyderabad & another. Respondents * * * HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE NOOTY RAMAMOHANA RAO WRIT PETITION No.4106 of 2011 ORDER: The writ petitioner, while working as a contract conductor, has been proceeded against by the Depot Manager, Midhani, Hyderabad, as a measure of discipline, since the writ petitioner was reported to be absenting from duties unauthorizedly from 12th May 2007. Hence, the Depot Manager passed orders on 02nd June 2007 terminating the agreement of contract of service with the petitioner. In effect it amounts to bringing an end to the employment of the writ petitioner as a contract conductor. However, the order has been passed as a measure of punishment for the alleged misconduct of unauthorized absence. 2. The APSRTC itself has issued a circular directing all the disciplinary authorities to conduct an enquiry and thereafter pass appropriate orders even while dealing with the contract drivers/conductors. However, in the instant case the Depot Manager has not followed any such procedure. He has not even put the writ petitioner on notice before terminating his contract of employment and hence his order is completely in violation of the principles of natural justice apart from violating the circular instructions issued by the Corporation itself. It is therefore appropriate to set aside the impugned order passed on 02.6.2007 by the Depot Manager and direct the second respondent Depot Manager to re-engage the writ petitioner as contract conductor. Since the writ petitioner kept quiet for nearly 3 ½ years time, he shall not be entitled for any benefit for this period from 02.6.2007 up to the next date of his re-engagement. This period also shall not be counted for other purposes such as for consideration of regularization of services or terminal benefits, but however only the previous service rendered by him prior to 02nd June 2007 be taken into account and consideration for the purpose of regularization as well as terminal benefits. 3. The writ petition stands disposed of at the admission stage, as in several similar cases this type of orders are passed by this Court and hence learned standing counsel gives his consent for disposal of this writ petition also. No costs. ________________________________ NOOTY RAMAMOHANA RAO, J Date: February 22, 2011. BSB