EASTERN COALFILEDS LTD. vs BAJRANGI RABIDAS

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the High Court which overturned the rejection of the respondent's request to change his date of birth from 2.4.1946 to 2.4.1948, citing the Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973 and the Implementation Instruction No. 76. The Court emphasized that the principles of natural justice must be adhered to in determining such claims, and that the respondent's silence after filing his objection did not negate his right to contest the recorded date of birth. The Court ultimately ruled in favor of the respondent, allowing the change of date of birth.