K. L. TRIPATHI vs STATE BANK OF INDIA AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court addressed the compliance with principles of natural justice under Rule 49(f) of the State Bank of India (Officers and Assistants) Service Rules. The Court held that while the appellant was granted a personal hearing, the failure to allow cross-examination of witnesses and the gathering of evidence behind his back constituted a violation of natural justice principles. Consequently, the dismissal of the appellant was deemed improper, and the Court set aside the High Court's ruling that the service rules lacked statutory effect.