M. ADAIKKAN vs REGISTRAR OF CO-OPERATIVE STY.

The Supreme Court held that the punishment of dismissal imposed on the appellant, a Special Officer of the Co-operative Societies, was disproportionate compared to the lesser penalties imposed on 46 other similarly situated officers, who faced only stoppage of increment. The Court directed that the appellant's punishment be reduced to a stoppage of increment for six months without cumulative effect, emphasizing the need for consistency in disciplinary actions. The appeal was disposed of accordingly, treating the case as special due to the circumstances.