RADHEY SHYAM GUPTA vs U.P.STATE AGRO INDS.CORPN.LTD. — C.A. No. 6344/1998

Case Summary: Radhey Shyam Gupta v. U.P. State Agro Industries Corporation Ltd. Court Decision: The Supreme Court set aside the High Court's judgment and restored the Administrative Tribunal's order, quashing the petitioner's termination as punitive and violative of natural justice principles. Key Reasoning: The inquiry officer examined witnesses and made definitive findings concluding the petitioner accepted a bribe of Rs. 2000, even recommending termination—all conducted behind the petitioner's back. The termination order was issued the very next day. The Court held these findings constituted the "foundation" (not merely the "motive") for termination, making it punitive despite its innocuous wording. A preliminary inquiry permits simple termination; however, a full inquiry with evidence and definitive misconduct findings requires proper procedure and hearing, absent which termination violates natural justice. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.