Date:- 29.08.2025
Case:- STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS v/s EX. C. SATPAL SINGH
Citation:- 2025 INSC 1056
Bench:- Justice J. K. Maheshwari, Justice Vijay Bishnoi
The Supreme Court recently set aside the reinstatement of the ex-Punjab Armed Forces Constable for his repeated unauthorized absence from the service, stating that past records of indiscipline though not specifically referred to in the show cause notice, cannot save the delinquent officer from dismissal as the same can be used to adding the weight to the decision of imposing the punishment.
Important Points:-
- The Respondent was the constable at Punjab Armed Forces and had a history of repeated unauthorized absences totalling over 300 days in just 7 years. Following a department enquiry, when he took the leave for 1 day but was absent for 37 days, he was found guilty of gross misconduct and was dismissed from the service.
- The Hon’ble Punjab & Haryana High Court had reinstated him, holding that past records of absence were wrongly considered since they were not mentioned in the show cause notice.
- The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in appeal, held that the dismissal was based on his latest misconduct. The past records only added weight to the decision.
- Hence, Past Records/Conduct can be considered during dismissal from service, even if they are not specifically referred in the show cause notice.
