RAM CHANDER vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The Supreme Court set aside the orders of the Single Judge and the Division Bench, as well as the Railway Board's order dated March 11, 1972, directing the Board to conduct a personal hearing for the appellant in accordance with Rule 22(2) of the Railway Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1968. The Court emphasized that the Railway Board must provide a reasoned order after objectively considering the appeal, rather than merely reproducing the rule's language. The judgment reinforces the necessity of reasoned decisions in administrative processes to uphold public confidence and ensure fair treatment of civil servants under Article 311(2).