CHENNAI METROPOLITAN WATER SUP.&SEW.&ORS vs T.T. MURALI BABU

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to reinstate T.T. Murali Babu, who was dismissed from the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board for unauthorized absence under the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board Employees (Discipline and Appeal) Regulations, 1978. The Court found that while the charges of misconduct were proved, the punishment of dismissal was disproportionate, leading to the conclusion that reinstatement with continuity of service was appropriate, albeit without back wages. The Court emphasized the need for proportionality in disciplinary actions against employees.