Surender Kumar vs Union Of India And Ors

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Central Administrative Tribunal regarding the compulsory retirement of an Assistant Supervisor at a Military Farm for misappropriation of 320 Kg. of Soda-bi-carbonate, which was not fed to the animals, leading to their health jeopardy. The Court found that the material was stored in a room under the officer's control, constituting misappropriation. The Court affirmed that the punishment was not harsh given the serious nature of the misconduct, and the inquiry adhered to principles of natural justice.