BALBIR CHAND vs F.C.I. OF INDIA LTD

The Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of the petitioner, a Manager at the Food Corporation of India, for misconduct in verifying a fraudulent contract obtained by an impersonator. The Court clarified that while the Zonal Manager was the competent authority for dismissal, the Managing Director, as the highest authority, could also impose the penalty without violating Article 14 of the Constitution. The dismissal was confirmed after a joint enquiry, and the Court found no legal grounds to overturn the decision, thereby dismissing the special leave petition.