Diwan Singh vs L.I.C. & Ors

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to substitute the punishment of removal with compulsory retirement for the appellant, a cashier at LIC, who was found guilty of temporary embezzlement and forgery under the Life Insurance Corporation of India (Employees) Pension Rules, 1995, specifically Rule 23. The Court emphasized that the appellant's actions were not justifiable as he issued a receipt without verifying the cash, thus establishing that the punishment was proportionate to the misconduct. The Court dismissed the appellant's claim that the punishment was harsh and unreasonable, affirming the High Court's findings.