PUNJAB STATE CIVIL SUPPLIES CORP. LTD. vs SIKANDER SINGH

The Supreme Court addressed the liability of employees in a departmental inquiry concerning shortages of wheat stocks, emphasizing the principles of negligence and accountability under service law. The Court upheld the High Court's decision to reinstate the first defendant, Tilak Raj, while denying back wages, and clarified the supervisory responsibilities of the second defendant, who was dismissed for negligence. The Court ultimately ruled that both defendants were liable for the shortages, affirming the High Court's findings on their respective roles in the misappropriation of stocks.