BISHAN SINGH vs STATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court held that the dismissal of police personnel for participating in a peaceful procession to represent grievances, despite a prohibitory order, was excessive and not warranted under Rule 16(2) of the Punjab Police Rules. The Court found that while there was a violation of the prohibitory order, the nature of the misconduct did not justify the extreme penalty of dismissal. The High Court's order was set aside, and the appellants were entitled to reinstatement with a lesser penalty of stoppage of one increment without cumulative effect.