LAXMI SHANKAR PANDEY vs UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of a Head Constable in the Central Reserve Police Force under Section 11 of the Central Reserve Police Force Act, 1949, for negligence leading to the escape of undertrial prisoners. The Court emphasized the necessity of examining the scope of Article 32 of the Constitution regarding judicial review of departmental inquiries. It found that the petitioner was responsible for the escape due to inadequate arrangements and negligence, and that the inquiry process, despite some procedural concerns, did not violate principles of natural justice as the petitioner was afforded opportunities to defend himself.