SUB DIVISIONAL INSPECTOR vs K.K.PAVITHARAN

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of back-wages in the context of disciplinary proceedings under the P & T Extra Departmental Agents (Conduct and Services) Rules, 1964. The Court held that while the respondent's removal from service was converted to a lesser punishment, the Tribunal erred in awarding back-wages since the respondent was found responsible for misconduct. The Court reaffirmed that the imposition of punishment is at the discretion of the disciplinary authority, which must consider all relevant facts, and concluded that the respondent is not entitled to back-wages.