STATE OF PUNJAB vs DEWAN CHUNI LAL

The Supreme Court held that the dismissal of the respondent, a Sub-Inspector of Police, was wrongful as it violated Article 311 of the Constitution, which mandates a reasonable opportunity to defend against dismissal. The Court ruled that reports prior to 1944 should not have been considered since the respondent was allowed to cross the efficiency bar that year. Furthermore, the denial of the right to examine witnesses who could have supported the respondent's defense constituted a failure to provide a fair hearing, leading to the dismissal of the State of Punjab's appeal.