J.K. AGGARWAL vs HARYANA SEEDS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LTD.AND ORS.

The Supreme Court held that under Rule 7(5) of the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1952, a delinquent government servant facing serious charges that could lead to dismissal has the right to representation by a lawyer. The Court found that denying this right constituted a violation of natural justice, especially when the presenting officer was legally trained and the appellant lacked legal background. The appeal was allowed, overturning the High Court's dismissal of the writ petition.