STATE OF T.N. vs M.NATARAJAN

The Supreme Court held that the Tamil Nadu Administrative Tribunal erred in allowing the O.As. filed by the respondents, who were charged with misconduct under the principles of natural justice. The Court found that the disciplinary authority had sufficient grounds to impose the penalty of removal from service, as the respondents failed to participate in the departmental proceedings despite being given multiple opportunities. The Court emphasized that both criminal and departmental proceedings can occur simultaneously, and ignorance of this principle does not excuse non-participation in the enquiry.