THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE NOOTY RAMAMOHANA RAO WRIT PETITION No. 7748 OF 2011 O R D E R: The petitioner was appointed on contract basis as a driver on 29.11.2008. After some time, by an order dated 19.1.2009 passed by the Depot Manager, Nandikotkur Bus Depot, Kurnool District, he was terminated from service on the ground of absenteeism from 11.12.2008 onwards. No enquiry was conducted before the order of termination was passed. Subsequently, against the order of termination, he preferred appeal before the reviewing authority - Regional Manager, Kurnool Region, Kurnool District and the same was allowed on 15.5.2009, 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 the date of his absentism namely 11.12.2008 which led to his removal be counted for the purpose of regularization and terminal benefits. It is also directed that the writ petitioner is entitled to the benefit of the service between the date of termination and the date of re-engagement, only for purposes of regularization. However, the petitioner shall not be entitled to any monetary benefits on account of the said benefit. No costs. ---------------------------------- (NOOTY RAMAMOHANA RAO, J) 25th March 2011 knk