State Of Uttar Pradesh And 2 Ors vs Dhirendra Pal Singh

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision that the withholding of 30% of gratuity and pension of Dhirendra Pal Singh, a retired Assistant Store Superintendent, was unlawful as no departmental inquiry was conducted as required under Article 351-A of the UP Civil Service Regulations. The Court emphasized that the State's action to recover Rs.7,26,589 from the respondent's dues was not justified without a proper inquiry into the alleged misconduct. Consequently, the Court ordered the release of the withheld amounts with interest at 10% per annum.