THE DELHI CLOTH AND GENERAL MILLS LTD. vs KUSHAL BHAN

The Supreme Court held that under Section 33(2) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, an employer is not required to await the outcome of a criminal trial before taking disciplinary action against an employee. The Court found that the principles of natural justice do not mandate such a delay, especially in straightforward cases. The Industrial Tribunal's refusal to approve the dismissal of the employee, who was acquitted in the criminal case, was deemed erroneous, and the appeal by the company was allowed.