' M. SAtEEM CHAUDHRY (CHAIRMAN). -The appellant, Sher Muhammad, was Warder in the Central Jail, Faisalabad, when he was suspended for deserting his watch-post without permission and, vide an order dated 5th January, 1979, dismissed from service. His appeal was rejected by the Inspector-General of Prisons, but later, on an appeal made through the Home Department, the I. G.
Changed the punishment to removal from service in view of the appellant's 19 years in the department. Through this appeal the appellant seeks to have his removal set aside on grounds of mala fide.
2. We have heard the appellant. The record of the case was also summoned and examined. We do not find any ground for doubting the vires of the impugned order nor do we observe any evidence of mala fide. The appellant admits that he left his vital duty post of Watch and Ward without permission or even intimation and reported for duty after 39 days' absence. He claims that he was very ill during this period and sent medical certificates, but we are afraid we cannot condone the desertion of ,a sensitive post for any reason. If he was suddenly taken ill, the appellant had sufficient medical facilities available in the Jail to handle his ailment.
3. The I.G. Of Prisons has already reduced the appellant's punishment from dismissal to removal.
We see no reason to interfere any further in the matter. The appeal is dismissed in ilimine.