PUNJAB STATE POWER CORP.LTD.PATIALA &ANR vs ATMA SINGH GREWAL

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to quash a charge sheet served to the respondent, a retired employee of the Punjab State Electricity Board, on the grounds that it was barred by Rule 2.2(B) of the Punjab Civil Service Rules. The Court noted that the alleged misconduct occurred more than four years prior to the charge sheet being issued, which contravened the stipulated time limit for initiating departmental proceedings against an ex-employee. The Court dismissed the petitioners' appeal, affirming the High Court's ruling and the imposition of costs on the petitioners.