State Of Punjab And Ors vs Jagjit Singh And Ors

The Supreme Court ruled that the provisions of the Punjab State Civil Services (General) Rules, 1976, particularly Rule 3.17, must be interpreted to ensure that employees are not deprived of their rightful benefits due to procedural lapses. The Court emphasized that the principle of natural justice must be upheld in administrative actions affecting service conditions. The appeals were allowed, and the respondents were directed to be reinstated with all consequential benefits.