State Of Up And Ors vs Z.U. Ansari

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision that disciplinary proceedings against a retired government employee require prior sanction from the Governor under Section 351-A of the Civil Services Regulations, 1975, framed under Article 309 of the Constitution of India. The Court emphasized that the sanction granted by the Minister in-charge was insufficient and that Articles 166 and 309 operate in distinct fields. Consequently, the Court affirmed the quashing of the charge-sheet and disciplinary proceedings against the respondent, thereby entitling him to all consequential benefits.