PUNJAB WATER SUPPLY SEWERAGE BOARD vs RAM SAJIVAN

The Supreme Court addressed the legality of the termination of employees who were found guilty of misconduct after a criminal conviction. The Court held that the High Court erred in reinstating the employees without considering their serious misconduct, as established in Union of India v Bakshi Ram [(1990) 2 SCC 426]. The Court emphasized that disciplinary proceedings must precede termination, reaffirming the principle that employees cannot be dismissed without due process. The appeal was allowed, overturning the High Court's decision.