In Brief
A Head Constable with the Central Industrial Security Force was prematurely retired after 30 years of service. The High Court set aside the retirement order, holding that penalties imposed before his promotion could not be considered. The Supreme Court reversed this, holding that an entire service record—including pre-promotion adverse entries and uncommunicated remarks—may be considered in compulsory retirement decisions. The Court clarified that compulsory retirement is not penal, need not follow natural justice principles, and is subject to judicial review only on grounds of mala fides or perversity. Recent performance carries greater weight, but old adverse entries remain relevant when assessing overall fitness for retention.
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