LALJI PANDEY vs UNION OF INDIA . — C.A. No. 6348/2011

Case Summary: Lalji Pandey v. Union of India (C.A. No. 006348/2011) The Supreme Court allowed the appeal and set aside Lalji Pandey's removal from service. Pandey, a constable, was charged with illegally obtaining Rs. 199/- hidden under a sandbag near his duty post. Though the Enquiry Officer found him guilty and the Disciplinary Authority removed him from service, the Court found no credible evidence proving illegal gratification—the money's source could not be established, and it may have been planted by someone else. Instead of removal, the Court imposed withholding of three salary increments with cumulative effect and directed his reinstatement within 3-4 months without back wages. Parties bear their own costs. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.