STATE OF HARYANA AND OTHERS vs RAJINDRA SAREEN

The Supreme Court held that the termination of the respondent's services as Deputy Director (Press) was invalid under Article 311(2) of the Constitution, as the appointment was co-terminus with the post's existence. The Court found that the respondent had completed three years of service, thereby becoming a permanent employee under Rule 10(3) of the Punjab Public Relations Department (Gazetted) Service Rules, 1958. The High Court's decision to quash the termination order was upheld, reinforcing the principle that mala fides must be assessed cumulatively rather than individually.