SECRETARY, FOREST DEPT. vs ABDUR RASUL CHOWDHURY

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision that the disciplinary proceedings against the respondent, initiated in 1987, were rendered invalid due to inordinate delay, violating the principles of natural justice. The Court emphasized that under Article 21 of the Constitution, the right to a timely resolution of disciplinary proceedings is fundamental. Consequently, the Court directed the authorities to treat the period of suspension as duty and release all retirement benefits to the respondent.