In Brief
A Head Constable in the Shasastra Seema Bal was dismissed (later reduced to removal from service) after entering a female barrack at midnight, compromising security. He challenged the punishment in the High Court, arguing it was disproportionate because a female constable who allowed his entry received lesser punishment. The Single Judge agreed and remitted for reconsideration. The Supreme Court upheld the removal, holding that the misconduct of a male officer entering a female barrack at midnight is more serious than that of the female constable who allowed entry. Courts have limited power to interfere with disciplinary punishment—only when it shocks the conscience—and cannot compare situations lacking complete parity in position, role, and charges.
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