S.B.I. vs HEMANT KUMAR

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Central Government Industrial Tribunal-cum-Labour Court, which directed the reinstatement of the respondent in service with full back-wages despite his admission of guilt regarding misappropriation of funds under the Banking Regulation Act. The Court emphasized that the principles of natural justice were not adequately followed during the disciplinary proceedings, particularly the failure to provide the respondent a fair opportunity to defend himself. Consequently, the Court affirmed the Tribunal's award, allowing the respondent's reinstatement.