ZUNJARRAO BHIKAJI NAGARKAR vs U.O.I.

The Supreme Court addressed the validity of disciplinary proceedings initiated against Zunjarrao Bhikaji Nagarkar under Rule 14 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, in relation to alleged favoritism towards M/s. Hari Vishnu Packaging Ltd. The Court held that the powers conferred by Section 33 of the Central Excise Act, 1944, allow for adjudication of penalties and confiscations, and that the initiation of proceedings was justified based on the evidence of evasion of excise duty. The Court ultimately upheld the disciplinary inquiry against the appellant, dismissing his challenge to the proceedings.