In Brief
A Hindi teacher employed at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bangalore sought transfer to Mumbai. She was transferred under an order dated 01.10.1991, but later discovered discrepancies and the order was found to be fake. Suspended in 1992, she faced a nine-year departmental inquiry, ultimately dismissed for obtaining the fake transfer order. She challenged dismissal alleging violation of natural justice and procedural defects. The Supreme Court upheld dismissal, holding that delay in proceedings is not fatal when explained and no prejudice shown; violation of natural justice requires established grave prejudice; and the fake order's establishment suffices to infer guilt despite no explicit finding of her involvement in procuring it.
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