STATE BANK OF INDIA vs R. K. JAIN & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the principles of natural justice were violated in the domestic inquiry against the respondent, as he was not allowed to summon his defence witnesses, which constituted a denial of a reasonable opportunity to present his case. The Court emphasized that even if the management had the right to justify the dismissal, the lack of proper inquiry rendered the termination unjustified. Consequently, the Court upheld the Industrial Tribunal's decision that the discharge was not warranted, thereby reinstating the respondent.