D.G., RAILWAY PROTECTION FORCE vs K. RAGHURAM BABU

The Supreme Court held that Rule 153(8) of the Railway Protection Force Rules, 1987, which restricts the accused from being represented by a legal practitioner in departmental inquiries, is constitutional. The Court emphasized that in domestic inquiries, the accused must conduct their own case unless explicitly permitted by a rule. The judgment of the Andhra Pradesh High Court striking down Rule 153(8) was overturned, affirming that the right to self-representation is fundamental in such proceedings, as established in N. Kalindi vs. M/s. Tata Locomotive and Engineering Co. Ltd. and Brook Bond India vs. Subba Raman.