State Bank Of India & Ors vs Ranjit Kumar Chakraborty & Anr

The Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision, emphasizing that under Rule 68(3)(iii), a Disciplinary Authority lacking the competence to impose a major penalty must refer the case to the Appointing Authority, which must provide a hearing to the delinquent before imposing such a penalty. The Court found that the dismissal of the respondent without a hearing violated principles of natural justice, rendering the order void ab initio. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, affirming the High Court's ruling.