In Brief
A probationary judicial officer was discharged from service in 2016 after granting bail to an accused in a corruption case, allegedly without knowledge that the High Court had rejected an earlier bail application. The High Court dismissed his writ petition, treating the discharge as a simple non-confirmation. The Supreme Court set aside this decision, holding that the discharge was punitive in nature—linked to the bail order inquiry—and violated Article 311(2) protections. The Court found the prosecution failed to place the High Court's order on record despite opportunity, the bail order fell within jurisdiction, and no credible evidence of misconduct or extraneous consideration existed. The officer was reinstated with 50% backwages and full consequential benefits.
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