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 enquiry was conducted as required under Article 351-A of the UP Civil Service Regulations. The Court emphasized that the State's action to recover dues based on alleged misconduct without proper proceedings was invalid. Consequently, the Court ordered the release of the withheld amounts along with interest at 10% per annum.