BAIKUNTHA NATH DAS AND ANR. vs CHIEF DISTT. MEDICAL OFFICER, BARIPADA AND ANR.

The Supreme Court held that under Rule 71 of the Orissa Service Code, an order of compulsory retirement can be based on uncommunicated adverse remarks in the confidential character rolls. The Court emphasized that while principles of natural justice are important, the absence of communication of adverse remarks does not invalidate the decision if the Review Committee acted in good faith and in public interest. The appeal against the High Court's dismissal of the writ petition was rejected, affirming the validity of the compulsory retirement order.