ALTAF HUSSAIN SHAH Versus PUNJAB SERVICE TRIBUNAL, LAHORE

RANA BHAGWANDAS, J.--- Petitioner, formerly a Constable in the Police Department at Rajanpur was dismissed from service by Superintendent of Police Rajanpur on the charge that he alongwitli an other person was running gambling den. An enquiry was ordered and, after examining witnesses and holding through probe into the charge, Enquiry Officer reported about direct involvement of the petitioner in running a gambling den. Petitioner was served with a show cause notice and afforded an opportunity of personal hearing. After complying with all legal requirements, his services were dispensed with.

2. He preferred a service appeal before the Punjab Service Tribunal (hereinafter referred as the Tribunal) and agitated the grounds that he had been condemned unheard; that no regular inquiry was held and that he was not afforded a chance of being heard. All these contentions were duly considered by the Tribunal and repelled for valid reasons after consulting the record.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner raised the same arguments, which were advanced before the Tribunal. We have perused the judgment and examined the record, which clearly tends to show that proper procedure under Punjab Police Service (Efficiency and Disciplinary) Rules, 1975 was observed and the rules of natural justice were strictly adhered. It is not correct to say that the petitioner was deprived of reasonable opportunity of hearing or that no enquiry was held. He was not only - heard by the appointing authority but also by the appellate forum. Indeed maximum possible opportunity of defence was provided to him.

4. In the circumstances, no substantial question of law of general public importance is made out. Petition is, therefore, dismissed.

S.A.K./A-285/SC Petition dismissed.