State Of U.P vs Sheo Shanker Lal Srivastava & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the procedural fairness in departmental inquiries under Service Law, emphasizing the right to a fair hearing as per Article 14 of the Constitution of India. The Court held that the refusal to allow the appellant to engage a lawyer in a disciplinary proceeding was a violation of principles of natural justice, thus rendering the inquiry invalid. Consequently, the Court set aside the disciplinary action taken against Sheo Shanker Lal Srivastava, reinstating him with all consequential benefits.