THE INSPECTOR OF PANCHAYATS AND DISTRICT COLLECTOR SALEM vs S. ARICHANDRAN

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to reinstate S. Arichandran, a Panchayat Assistant, after finding that the disciplinary proceedings against him were conducted in violation of due process. The court emphasized the necessity of providing the inquiry report to the delinquent and allowing him to comment on it before passing any punitive orders. Consequently, the appeal by the District Collector was dismissed, affirming the reinstatement and payment of arrears to the respondent.