UNION OF INDIA vs S.S. AHLUWALIA

The Supreme Court upheld the Delhi High Court's decision to quash the penalty imposed on S.S. Ahluwalia under Rule 43(d)(i) of the Central Reserve Police Force Rules, 1955, which had deducted 10% from his pension for one year. The Court found that the inquiry proceedings were flawed and that the respondent was entitled to his retiral benefits, including pension and gratuity, from the date of his voluntary retirement on 1.7.1993. The Court emphasized that the procedural safeguards must be adhered to in disciplinary proceedings, thereby reinforcing the principles of natural justice.