#Police Service

The court quashed an ASI's dismissal, ruling that unsubstantiated fears of witness influence cannot bypass a departmental inquiry under Article 311(2)(b). The petitioner is entitled to reinstatement with consequential benefits but not back wages, while the department retains the option to initiate a fresh inquiry or await the outcome of criminal proceedings.

The Patna High Court quashed a Sub-Inspector's dismissal where the inquiry officer doubled as prosecutor and critical documents were withheld from the delinquent officer. The appellate authority also rejected the appeal without a hearing despite a court order, compounding the natural justice violations in the departmental proceeding.