O.P. GOEL vs H.P. TOURISM DEV. CORPN.,

The Supreme Court held that the termination of the petitioner's service, although framed as innocuous, was a punitive measure disguised as a simple notice, violating Article 311(2) of the Constitution. The Court found that the termination was arbitrary and discriminatory, as it retained junior employees while dismissing the petitioner. Consequently, the Court quashed the termination order and ruled that the petitioner was entitled to back wages upon reinstatement.