In Brief
The Supreme Court dismissed the State of Uttar Pradesh's appeal challenging disciplinary action against Ram Prakash Singh, an Assistant Engineer accused of financial embezzlement. The Court found that the disciplinary proceedings were wholly vitiated due to: (1) failure to examine witnesses or formally prove documents, breaching procedural rules; (2) non-furnishing of the enquiry report despite mandatory requirements; and (3) continuation of proceedings beyond a tribunal-set deadline without seeking extension. The Court clarified that furnishing of enquiry reports is a mandatory procedural safeguard rooted in natural justice, not requiring proof of prejudice. Given the respondent's retirement, passage of time, and prior judicial directions not followed, no fresh enquiry opportunity was granted. The respondent was awarded full retiral benefits from superannuation date.
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