DEPOT MANAGER, APSRTC vs B. SWAMY

The Supreme Court upheld the removal of a conductor from service under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, after finding that he issued tickets of lower denomination to 16 passengers instead of the correct amount, thereby pocketing the difference. The Court rejected the argument that the incident was accidental, emphasizing that the misconduct was deliberate and warranted dismissal. The Court affirmed the Labour Court's decision, stating that the management acted justifiably in removing the respondent for dishonesty in his duties under Section 2A(2) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.