In Brief
The Supreme Court held that departmental proceedings initiated against a government employee before superannuation may continue after retirement. Under Rule 10 of the West Bengal Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefit) Rules, 1971, pension can be withheld or reduced if the retiree is found guilty of grave misconduct or negligence committed during service—not only for pecuniary loss. Since the charge sheet against the respondent was served before superannuation, the inquiry could lawfully continue after retirement. The Court set aside the High Court's order and restored the punishment order.
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