CHIEF ENGINEER, M.S.E.B vs SURESH RAGHUNATH BHOKARE

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Industrial Court which quashed the dismissal of the respondent under the MRTU & PULP Act, 1971, stating that the termination was an unfair labour practice as per Items 1(a), (b), (d), (f), and (g) of Schedule IV. The Court emphasized that misrepresentation alone does not justify dismissal without proper inquiry and that reinstatement was warranted despite the allegations of fraud. The appeal by the Chief Engineer, Maharashtra State Electricity Board was dismissed, affirming the lower courts' rulings.