R.M. GURJAR vs HIGH COURT OF GUJARAT .

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's authority to enhance the punishment of the appellants under Rule 23 of the Gujarat Civil Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1971. It clarified that the District Judge, as the disciplinary authority, imposed a penalty that was appealable to the High Court, which acted within its jurisdiction to review and enhance the penalty to removal from service. The Court confirmed that the High Court's decision was made after providing due opportunity to the appellants, thus affirming the legality of the enhanced punishment.