UNION OF INDIA ETC. vs M.E. REDDY AND ANR

The Supreme Court held that Rule 16(3) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement) Rules, 1958, allows for compulsory retirement of a government servant upon completion of 30 years of service or reaching the age of 50, without attracting the provisions of Article 311(2) of the Constitution. The Court emphasized that such retirement is not a punishment but a measure to maintain efficiency in public service, and does not carry any stigma or civil consequences. The appeals were allowed, affirming the government's right to retire employees in public interest without the necessity of following natural justice principles.