In Brief
M.L. Singla, a cashier at Punjab National Bank, was dismissed for two serious charges: consuming liquor while on duty and a cash shortage of Rs. 35,000. The Labour Court set aside the dismissal, but the High Court upheld it. The Supreme Court dismissed Singla's appeal, holding that the domestic enquiry was legal and fair, with no violation of natural justice. The Court found that the Labour Court had erred by not first examining the validity of the enquiry before assessing punishment proportionality. Since both charges were serious and proved, the punishment of dismissal was proportionate and legally justified.
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