' KHILJI ARIF HUSSAIN, J.--- The petitioner impugns the judgment of the Service Tribunal, whereby his appeal was dismissed.
2. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that without holding a regular inquiry in respect of alleged charge against the petitioner, major penalty of reduction in the rank from the post of SST to EST has been imposed.
2-A. After arguing the case at some length, learned Advocate Supreme Court for the respondents contended that though a regular inquiry was dispensed with in terms of section 5 of the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act, 2006, but the nature of the allegation levelled against the petitioner require a fact finding inquiry and accordingly not supported the judgment impugned.
3. For the foregoing reasons, we are satisfied that the nature of the allegations requires recording of the evidence, therefore, this petition is converted into appeal and the impugned judgment is set aside however the respondent-department, if so desires, can hold a fresh inquiry against the petitioner within four months from the date of this order. Disposed of accordingly.