CAPT.M.PAUL ANTHONY vs BHARAT GOLD MINES LTD

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of simultaneous departmental and criminal proceedings under service law, emphasizing that while both can proceed concurrently, the principles of natural justice must be upheld. The Court held that the dismissal of the appellant from service was invalid as it occurred without considering the outcome of the criminal case, where he was acquitted. The Court ruled that the departmental inquiry should have been deferred until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, thereby reinstating the appellant.