Chairman,A.P.State Electricity Board ... vs M.Kurmi Naidu

The Supreme Court held that the punishment of compulsory retirement imposed by the Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Electricity Board, who is the Appellate Authority, was invalid as it violated the principles of natural justice. The Court emphasized that the disciplinary authority, which is the Member Secretary, must impose such punishment, ensuring the delinquent employee's right to appeal is preserved as per Regulation 10 of the A.P.S.E. Board Employees Discipline Appeal Regulations, 1990. The Court affirmed the High Court's decision to set aside the punishment, thereby upholding the respondent's right to a fair hearing.