UCO BANK vs RAJENDRA SHANKAR SHUKLA

The Supreme Court held that the respondent, Rajendra Shankar Shukla, was denied a fair opportunity to defend himself in a departmental inquiry due to lack of financial resources, violating principles of access to justice. The Court examined the UCO Bank Officer Employees’ (Conduct) Regulations, 1976, particularly Regulation 20(3)(iii), which allows disciplinary proceedings to continue post-superannuation without pay or retirement benefits. The Court upheld the High Court's decision, concluding that the inquiry process was flawed and Shukla's rights were infringed, thus affirming the need for fair procedures in such inquiries.