MALKIAT SINGH vs STATE OF PUNJAB & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the discharge of the appellant from service on grounds of absence and irregularity was unjustified. The Court found that the appellant's absences were not significant enough to conclude inefficiency, especially considering a medical certificate for one absence due to his wife's complications. The Court set aside the discharge order, directing the respondents to reinstate the appellant, while cautioning that further absences without permission could lead to dismissal. The appellant was not entitled to back-wages.