HARYANA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD vs CHANDER PAL SINGH

The Supreme Court held that while administrative bodies can rectify mistakes, the recovery of Rs.46,221/- from the respondent, who had retired in 1997, was unjustified as he was entitled to gratuity. The Court exercised its jurisdiction under Article 142 of the Constitution of India to uphold the High Court's order for the payment of gratuity but set aside the imposition of Rs.25,000/- as compensation. The appellants were directed not to recover the amount from the respondent, thus affirming the respondent's right to gratuity.