RAJINDER KAUR vs PUNJAB STATE & ANR.

The Supreme Court held that the discharge of a temporary constable under Rule 12.21 of the Punjab Police Rules, 1934, was unconstitutional as it violated Article 311(2) of the Constitution. The Court found that the discharge was effectively a dismissal based on misconduct without providing the constable an opportunity to defend herself or to cross-examine witnesses. Consequently, the Court quashed the discharge order, emphasizing the necessity of following due process in disciplinary actions against public servants.