STATE OF ORISSA AND ORS. vs SHIVA PARASHAD DAS AND ORS.

The Supreme Court held that an order of suspension against a government servant pending disciplinary enquiry does not constitute dismissal or removal under Article 311(1) of the Constitution of India. The Court affirmed that the District Forest Officer, as the appointing authority, was competent to suspend the respondent under Rule 12 of the Orissa Civil Services (CCA) Rules, 1962. The High Court's ruling that the suspension was invalid was overturned, and the appeals were allowed.