KRISHAN LAL vs STATE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR

The Supreme Court held that procedural safeguards should not override the substantive rights of individuals, referencing the legal maxim 'Quilibet potest reuntiare jiiri pro se introducto'. The Court found that the High Court's dismissal of the appellant's suit on grounds of jurisdiction and res judicata was erroneous, as the dismissal was in violation of mandatory requirements under the Jammu & Kashmir (Government Servant) Prevention of Corruption Act, 1962. The Court allowed the appeal, reinstating the trial court's decree that the dismissal was void and illegal.