UNION OF INDIA & ORS. vs CORPORAL A.K. BAKSHI & ANR.

The Supreme Court examined whether a discharge from the Indian Air Force under Rule 15(2)(g)(ii) of the Air Force Rules, 1969, constitutes a removal by way of punishment under Rule 18 of the same Rules. The Court held that such a discharge does not amount to punishment as it is in accordance with the Policy for Discharge of Habitual Offenders, thus affirming the authority of the Central Government under Section 19 of the Air Force Act, 1950. The judgment clarified the procedural aspects of discharge and upheld the legality of the discharge process outlined in the Rules.