State Of Punjab And Others vs Sukhwinder Singh

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision affirming the lower courts' rulings that the discharge of Sukhwinder Singh, a probationary police constable, was illegal under Rule 12.21 of the Punjab Police Rules. The Court emphasized that the discharge constituted a punishment for misconduct (absence from duty) without a formal inquiry as required by Rule 16.24(ix). The Court held that a probationer is entitled to an inquiry before being discharged, thus reinforcing the principle of fair procedure in administrative actions.