MUMTAZ HUSSATN ANSARI, vs STATE OF U.P. & ANR.

The Supreme Court held that the requirement for a delinquent officer to deposit expenses for material defence witnesses in a departmental inquiry violates the principles of natural justice. The Court interpreted Rule 20A(1) of the Travelling Allowances Rules and G.O. No. 4197 R/VIIIA-500(146)68, establishing that the State Government is responsible for paying the expenses of defence witnesses. The Court allowed the appeal, ruling that the Tribunal's insistence on the appellant depositing the amount was improper and led to non-compliance with natural justice principles.