Sharda Singh vs State Of U.P.& Ors

The Supreme Court held that the orders passed by the District Magistrate, Sitapur, dated 31.10.2003 and 13.09.2004, imposing a minor penalty and denying back wages during suspension, respectively, merged into the appellate authority's order dated 04.04.2005. Since the appellate authority's order was set aside by the High Court, the Supreme Court found no justification for the High Court's refusal to also quash the District Magistrate's orders. Consequently, the Court ruled that the appellant is entitled to back wages for the period of suspension, thereby establishing that appellate review can affect subordinate orders in disciplinary proceedings.