Balram Sharma vs Union Of India & Anr

The Supreme Court held that the appellant's deemed resignation from service under the ONGC Leave Rules, 1995 was unjustified, as he had valid reasons for not reporting to duty due to his mother's critical health condition. The Court emphasized that the principles of natural justice were not followed, as the appellant was not given a proper opportunity to explain his absence before the resignation was imposed. The Court set aside the order of deemed resignation and directed the reinstatement of the appellant, recognizing his status as a sports person of repute.