In Brief
An Inspector of the Central Industrial Security Force was transferred to Assam in December 1993 but failed to report for duty for over two years. Disciplinary proceedings followed, resulting in his removal from service. The Madras High Court found the punishment disproportionate and quashed it but denied back wages. The Supreme Court modified the High Court's order, substituting "compulsory retirement" for "removal from service" and granting the respondent retiral benefits from the date of the employer's communication regarding reinstatement, effectively recognizing that administrative delay prevented his reinstatement.
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