Mathura Prasad vs Union Of India & Ors

The Supreme Court held that the disciplinary action taken against the appellant under the service rules was unjustified as it was based on a flawed inquiry process, violating principles of natural justice. The Court emphasized that the Inquiry Officer's conclusion regarding the service card being fake lacked adequate evidence and was made without giving the appellant a fair opportunity to defend himself. Consequently, the Court quashed the removal order and directed reinstatement, reinforcing the importance of due process in service matters under Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution.