STATE BANK OF PATIALA vs S.K. SHARMA

The Supreme Court addressed the principles of natural justice in disciplinary proceedings under the State Bank of Patiala (Officers') Service Regulations, 1979. The Court held that the disciplinary action against the respondent for temporary misappropriation was valid, as the charges were substantiated through a preliminary inquiry and subsequent oral inquiry, which included witness testimonies. The Court upheld the High Court's dismissal of the second appeal, affirming the disciplinary action taken by the Bank.