132 passengers were traveling without ticket. As the bus was overcrowded, the petitioner was not aware of any such situation and necessary explanation in this regard was also tendered to the Inspection Team as well as the Chief Manager. However, to the shock and surprise of the petitioner, the services of the petitioner were terminated vide order dated 24.04.2007 without any inquiry or without giving opportunity oh hearing. Against the dismissal order, the petitioner had previously filed S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 1058/2010, which was disposed of with direction to the respondent to decide the appeal of the petitioner within a period of three months. However, the appeal was also dismissed in a mechanical manner vide impugned order dated 23.07.2010. Learned counsel contends that the petitioner was dismissed without following due procedure and in complete contravention of principles of natural justice. Learned counsel has placed reliance upon Office Order dated 21.09.2007 to submit that if the conductor is found negligent and the charged amount is less than Rs 100, then a conductor may be reinstated after imposing appropriate penalty. Learned counsel contends that as the alleged fare amount in the present case is only Rs. 18, the punishment imposed is not proportionate to the alleged act and the petitioner deserves to be reinstated in service.
