In Brief
An Intelligence Bureau officer posted to a new location repeatedly refused to comply with transfer orders, citing fear of threats from his superior. After years of unauthorized absence and multiple warnings, he was ordered to compulsory retirement. The High Court set aside this penalty, but the Supreme Court reversed the decision. The Court held that members of uniformed forces cannot defy posting orders on frivolous grounds, and that courts can interfere with disciplinary punishment only when it shocks the conscience (is grossly disproportionate). Finding no such shock here, the Court restored the compulsory retirement order and reaffirmed principles protecting discipline in security forces.
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