STATE OF PUNJAB vs SUKHWINDER SINGH

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, affirming 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, violating Rule 16.24(ix). The Court held that a probationer is entitled to an opportunity for a hearing before such punitive action is taken, thus reinstating the respondent with all service benefits.