UNION OF INDIA vs ALOK KUMAR

The Supreme Court ruled that under Rule 9(2) of the Railway Servants (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1968, a retired employee cannot be appointed as an Inquiry Officer for disciplinary proceedings against serving employees. The Court upheld the findings of the Central Administrative Tribunal and the Allahabad High Court, which had set aside the disciplinary orders due to the improper appointment of the Inquiry Officer. Consequently, the appeals by the Union of India were dismissed, affirming the lower courts' decisions.