State Of Rajasthan And Ors. vs Sujata Malhotra

The Supreme Court examined whether the High Court could substitute the punishment of termination with reinstatement on the grounds of proportionality in a case of prolonged unauthorised absence. The Court observed that treating a period of absence as extraordinary leave when no leave is due cannot be considered a punishment. The ruling emphasizes that High Courts should not arbitrarily interfere with the disciplinary authority's decision if the proceedings were regular and based on findings of delinquency.