RAJINDER KUMAR vs STATE OF HARYANA

The Supreme Court addressed the dismissal of Rajinder Kumar, a constable, for unauthorized absence totaling thirty-seven days. The Court emphasized that the disciplinary authority failed to consider the appellant's long service and medical condition, which warranted a more lenient approach under the principles of natural justice. The Court held that the dismissal was disproportionate to the misconduct and remanded the matter for reconsideration of the punishment, thereby upholding the importance of fair disciplinary procedures in service law.