State Of Orissa And Others vs Baidhar Sahu

The Supreme Court held that under Rule 12 of the Orissa Civil Service (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1992, the Governor has the authority to delegate the power of suspension to the Collector, even if the Collector is also empowered to impose minor punishments. The Court found that the tribunal's interpretation, which suggested that the power of suspension could not be delegated due to the nature of punishments, was incorrect. Consequently, the Court set aside the tribunal's order and allowed the appeal, affirming the Collector's authority to suspend government servants.