2.Learned counsel appearing for the petitioners would submit that the petitioner P.Marimuthu died during the pendency of the writ petition and his legal heirs were brought on record. According to the learned counsel appearing for the petitioners, the deceased petitioner was appointed as Salaipaniyalar on 31.10.1997 as per the Proceedings dated 31.10.1997 issued by the Divisional Engineer, Highways Department, Tuticorin, the third respondent herein and his service has been regularised on and from 04.03.1999. According to the learned counsel appearing for the petitioners, the third respondent has passed an order dismissing the deceased petitioner from service on the ground that the Elementary School Education Officer has proved that the certificate issued by him was forged one. But before passing such an order, no enquiry has been conducted, no opportunity has been given and no explanation has been called for from him. When the deceased petitioner was discharging his duties faithfully, the respondents, in the event of entertaining doubt on the qualifications obtained by him whether he had completed 5th standard or not, ought not to have passed such an order. When the third respondent, after satisfying with the certificate produced by him showing that he passed 5th standard, has issued an order of appointment on 31.10.1997 and thereafter, his service was also regularised by order dated 04.03.1999, cannot pass the impugned order. However, in the counter affidavit filed
