M.P. State Agro Industries Development ... vs Jahan Khan

The Supreme Court held that the imposition of a penalty involving stoppage of increments with cumulative effect constitutes a major penalty under the M.P. State Agro Industries Development Corporation Limited Service (Recruitment and Selection) Regulations of 1976, necessitating a regular departmental inquiry as per Articles 226/227 of the Constitution. The Court upheld the High Court's decision to quash the disciplinary authority's order due to the lack of a proper inquiry, allowing the Corporation to initiate proceedings if deemed appropriate. Consequently, the appeals were dismissed, affirming the High Court's ruling.