Praveen Bhatia vs Union Of India & Ors

The Supreme Court examined the validity of the appellant's compulsory retirement under Section 19 of the Air Force Act, 1950 and Rule 15 of the Air Force Rules, 1969. The Court held that the appellant's late filing of property returns did not constitute serious misconduct warranting such a severe penalty, especially given that the Court of Enquiry had exonerated him on all other counts. Consequently, the Court set aside the High Court's dismissal of the writ petition and ruled in favor of the appellant, reinstating him.