THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY WRIT PETITION No. 3128 OF 2006 O R D E R: The petitioner is employed as Conductor in the Manuguru Depot of APSRTC. On 19.1.2004, he was assigned duty of conducting service from Manuguru to Guntur. The bus reached Guntur at 3 A.M. and he was given rest for the entire day. The return journey was to commence at 21-15 hours. At that time, the petitioner was found in a drunken condition. He was referred to the Government Hospital at Guntur, where it was found that the petitioner consumed alcohol. He smelt alcohol and his speech was abnormal. The petitioner was not in a position to perform duty, and accordingly, alternative arrangement had to be made for the service. Disciplinary proceedings were initiated, and after conducting departmental enquiry, the 2nd respondent passed an order, dated 1.8.2004, imposing the punishment of stoppage of annual increments, for a period of three years, with cumulative effect. Appeal preferred by the petitioner, before the 1st respondent, was rejected. Hence, this writ petition. Heard Sri G. Ravi Mohan, learned counsel for the petitioner, and Smt.P.Rajani Reddy, learned Standing Counsel for the respondents. The observation made against the petitioner is on the basis of the analysis and examination by the Government Hospital at Guntur. It was found that the petitioner was intoxicated, and he was in a very deplorable condition. The fact that the bus had to be operated without the petitioner, discloses the gravity of the situation. The 2nd respondent has, in fact, taken a lenient view of the matter, and imposed the punishment of stoppage of annual increments, for a period of three years, with cumulative effect. It may be true that the stoppage of annual increment, with cumulative effect, would have its effect on the salary for the rest of the career of the petitioner. However, the gravity of the charge, which is held proved against the petitioner, would justify the same. The writ petition is, accordingly, dismissed. There shall be no order as to costs. ________________ 25th June 2008 PAN