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Patna High Court
Case Overview:
The Patna High Court has ruled that imposing compulsory retirement solely for unauthorised absence from duty, without aggravating circumstances, constitutes a disproportionate punishment and violates principles of natural justice.
Court’s Reasoning:
The Court acknowledged that while remaining absent without permission is a form of misconduct, it does not automatically warrant the harshest disciplinary measures unless there is a clear pattern of willful neglect, misconduct, or loss to public service. It emphasized that disciplinary action must be proportionate to the nature and gravity of the offence.
Outcome:
The order for compulsory retirement was set aside, and the Court directed the concerned authority to reconsider the matter in light of milder penalties, such as warning or short-term suspension, if necessary.
Legal Significance:
This ruling reinforces the principle of measured disciplinary response and underscores that punishment in service matters must align with both the nature of the misconduct and employee service record. It serves as a precedent to prevent overly punitive actions in routine administrative infractions.