STATE OF PUNJAB vs BHAGAT RAM

The Supreme Court held that the State violated Article 311 of the Constitution by not providing the respondent, a Sub Divisional Officer, with copies of witness statements during a departmental inquiry, which denied him a reasonable opportunity to defend himself. The Court emphasized that a mere synopsis of the statements is insufficient for effective cross-examination and that the government servant must be informed of the charges against him to adequately prepare his defense. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, and the State was ordered to pay costs to the respondent.