Chief Engineer (Construction) vs Keshava Rao (D) By Lrs

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's finding that the termination of the Respondent's services by the Southern Railways was illegal, affirming the right to reinstatement but modifying the back wages to 50% from the date of termination until the date of death or superannuation. The Court noted that the Respondent's absence was contested, with the Railways claiming abandonment of service under Rule 2505 of the Railway Manual. The judgment clarified the legal principles surrounding wrongful termination and the entitlement to back wages under service law.