STATE OF U.P. vs ASHOK KUMAR SINGH

The Supreme Court held that the Allahabad High Court erred in interfering with the punishment of removal of a police constable despite upholding the findings of the U.P. Public Services Tribunal regarding his absence from duty. The Court emphasized that the extreme penalty of dismissal was disproportionate to the charge of absence, which did not constitute grave misconduct. The Court allowed the appeal, reinstating the removal order while permitting the authorities to impose a lesser penalty if deemed appropriate, thus affirming the principles of proportionality in disciplinary actions under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.