Supreme Court: Disciplinary Action Cannot be Based Solely on Unverified Records

The Supreme Court held that disciplinary action against an employee cannot be sustained solely on the basis of unverified or unproven records, emphasising the need for credible and tested evidence.

It observed that reliance on documents that are neither authenticated nor subjected to scrutiny violates principles of natural justice.

The Court stressed that employees must be given a fair opportunity to challenge evidence, including cross-examination where necessary. Any finding of guilt must rest on reliable material, not mere assumptions or doubtful records.

Reinforcing procedural fairness, the Court set aside the disciplinary action, highlighting that administrative decisions must meet basic standards of evidentiary integrity.

[Jai Prakash Saini v. Managing Director, U.P. Cooperative Federation Ltd. & Ors.]