Patna HC Quashes Dismissal of Pradip Kumar Pandit in Service Misconduct Case
Patna HC Quashes Dismissal of Pradip Kumar Pandit in Service Misconduct Case (2026) held that In departmental proceedings, charges must be proved based on the principle of preponderance of probability, and strict proof is not required.
Case at a Glance
Summary
Pradip Kumar Pandit, an Upper Division Clerk, was dismissed from service following a departmental inquiry based on allegations of misconduct related to bribery. He challenged the dismissal, arguing that the inquiry was flawed as no witnesses were presented against him. The Patna High Court found that the dismissal did not adhere to the principles of natural justice and quashed the order, emphasizing the necessity of proper evidence in disciplinary proceedings. The court ruled that mere arrest on bribery charges does not suffice to prove misconduct in departmental inquiries.
