PIRTHIPAL SINGH vs STATE OF PUNJAB .

The Supreme Court addressed the application of the 2nd proviso to Clause (2) of Article 311 of the Constitution of India, concerning the dismissal of a police officer, Prithipal Singh, for alleged misconduct. The Court held that the departmental inquiry against Singh was improperly dispensed with, as the allegations were not substantiated, and the dismissal order was found to be invalid. Consequently, the Court reinstated Singh, emphasizing the necessity of following due process in disciplinary proceedings.