Holding

A mere procedural breach of a non‑mandatory provision, where substantial compliance is shown and no prejudice is demonstrated, does not vitiate a disciplinary enquiry or the consequent order of removal.

Summary

The respondent, S.K. Sharma, a bank manager, was charged with temporary misappropriation of a loan amount and was removed from service after a departmental enquiry. The enquiry officer relied on statements of witnesses, but the respondent was not supplied copies of those statements nor of certain documents as required by Regulation 68(ii)(x)(b)(iii) of the State Bank of Patiala (Officers') Service Regulations, 1979. He challenged the removal in a suit, which was decreed in his favour on the ground of this procedural breach; the appellate court affirmed, and the High Court added that the non‑examination of the complainant made it a case of "no evidence". The Supreme Court held that the bank had substantially complied with the regulation, that the respondent had been allowed to peruse the statements more than three days before the hearing, and that no prejudice resulted. Consequently, the additional ground of "no evidence" was unsustainable and the removal order stood. The appeal by the bank was allowed, setting aside the lower courts' judgments and dismissing the respondent's suit.

Issues considered

The adequacy of compliance with Regulation 68(ii)(x)(b)(iii) of the State Bank of Patiala (Officers') Service Regulations, 1979 regarding furnishing copies of witness statements.
Whether the non‑examination of the complainant (Balwant Singh) renders the enquiry a case of "no evidence".
The scope of judicial review of natural‑justice principles in disciplinary proceedings, whether in a writ petition under Art. 226 or a civil suit.
The distinction between mandatory and directory procedural provisions and the effect of their violation on the validity of the enquiry.
The appropriate test (substantial compliance vs. prejudice) to be applied when a procedural rule is breached.

Legislation cited

Code of Civil Procedure, 1908s. Section 99
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973s. Section 465(1)
Constitution of Indias. Article 226, s. Article 309, s. Article 311(2)
State Bank of Patiala (Officers) Service Regulations, 1979s. Regulation 68(ii)(x)(b)(iii)

Subjects

natural justiceaudi alteram partemdisciplinary enquiryprocedural fairnesssubstantial complianceprejudice testservice regulationsremoval orderjudicial review

Judgment

A STATE BANK OF PATIALA AND ORS.
v.
S.K. SHARMA

MARCH 27, 1996

B [B.P. JEEVAN REDDY AND KS. PARIPOORNAN, JJ.]

Se1vice Law :

State Bank of Patiala (Officers') Service Regulations, 1979: Regulation
68(ii}(x}(b )(iii).
c
Departmental enquby-Natural justice-Statements of two wit-
nesses-Copies of-Not supplied to delinquenHiowever, he was pem1itted
to pemse them and take notes therefrom more than three days p1ior to their
exami11ati01r-No objection raised by delinquent during enqui1y-Held :
D Regulation substantially complied with-No prejudice caused to delin-
quent-No inte1ference with enquby and order of removal called for.
'
Depwtmental enquby-Temporary misappropriation-By bank of-
fice1-Statements of witnesses and complainant-Recorded at preliminary
enqui1y-Charges established by enquiry officer inspite of non-examination of
E complainant-Held: Finding by High Cowt that it was a case of 'no evidence
as coniplainant. was not exa!nined, unsustainable in law.

Adniinistfative law :

Natural Justice--Action in violation of rules/regulations/statutory
F JJrovisions-b1cu1porati11.g pri11ci11les of natural justice (audi alteranz JJar-
temf-Va/idity of-Principles laid dow1r-Substantive provisions-Nomially
to be co1nplied wit/1-Procedural provision-Neither substantial nor 111an-
dat01y-lf no prejudice caused no inte1ference of cowt called fo,-Substantial
contpliance with such provision enough.

G Natural justice-Rules IRegulatio11s/Stattlf 01)1 provisions-Nol incor-
porating p1inciples of-But such p!inciples implied by nan;re of order/ac-
tion-Held : "no O]Jpo1ttu1ity 11/ 11no hcaring'i_An1ou11ted to tota_/ violation of
11
such princijJ/es--"No adequate opportunity /'no fair hea1ing"-A1nounted to
violation of only a facet of such principle.1-0rder/action-Fo1111er case would
H be invalid-Latter cas~Test of prejudice to be applied-If 110 prejudice
972
STATEBANKOFPATIALAv. S.K.SHARMA 973

caused, order actio11 wollld be valid. A
~ Natul·al fllstic~Principles of-Mere technical violation of-Held: set-
ting aside punishnzent and entire enquily would be negation of justice and
I
not jllstified.

Natural jllstic~Audi a/teram paitem-Object of-To enmre fair hear- B
ing and no failure of justic~Where State or pllblic interest called for curtail-·
ing of 111/e, court nzust balance such interest -tt·itlz requiren1e11t of natural
jllstice before arriving at a11 appropriate decisio11.

Judicial review-Scope of-Natural J11stice-Pri11ciples of-Question of
compliance with-Held : scope was the same whether it was writ petition C
under Article 226 or civil suit.

Mandatory provision-Waiver of-Could be waived by person con-
cerned if,ft was in public interest.
D
Words and Phrases : "Waiver''--1\feaning of

The respondent was working as Manager of a branch of the appel-
lant-Bank- Father of one B had taken loan from handed the appellant-
Bank and after his death B came and handed over the amount to the
respondent in discharge of the loan. The respondent was subsequently E
transferred to another branch. B discovered that the amount paid by him
to the respondent was not credited to his/his father's account. Soon
thereafter the amount was deposited in the Bank in the name of B. The
Appellant-Bank's case was that having received the amount from B, the
respondent did n~t credit the said amount into Bank account immediately, F
though he issued a letter to the effect that since the crop lo<ln amount bad
been adjusted, the entry regarding mortgage ofland of the loanee in favour·
----- '
of the Bank be revoked.
'
Before ordering a regular oral enquiry, the Bank had directed two
of its officers to conduct a preliminary enquiry 3.gainst the respondent. The G
said officers examined "itnesses including B and the Patwari of the village
arid also gathered necessary documentary evidence. On the basis of the
preliminary report, a regular enquiry was ordered. The Bank and the ,,
Rspondeitt examined their respecthre ·witnesses. B, who was ihe com·
plainant, did not appear as a witness at the regular enquiry. However, the H
974 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1996] 3 S.C.R.

A Patwari was examined as a witness at the regular enquiry. Though the
copies of the statements of B and the Patwari were not supplied to the
respondent, he was permitted to peruse the same more than three days
prior to the commencement of the examination of witnesses.

At the conclusion of the enc1uiry, a report was submitted by the
B enquiry officer holding the charges of temporary misappropriation estab-
lished. The competent authority accepted the report and ordered the
removal of the respondent from service. An appeal and a review submitted
by the respondent were dismissed. The respondent thereupon instituted a
suit challenging the order of removal. The Trial Court decreed the suit on
C ground of violation of Rule 68(ii)(x)(b)(iii) of the State Bank of Patiala
(Officers') Service Regulations, 1979 because of non-supply of the state-
ments of witnesses and documents to the delinquent. The appellate Court
confirmed the decree. The second appeal filed by the appellant-Bank was
dismissed by the High Court which, while affirming the findings of the
courts below, assigned one more ground that inasmuch as B was not
D examined, it was a case of 'no evidence'. Aggrieved by the High Court's
judgment the appellant-Bank preferred the present appeal.

Allowing the appeal, this Court

HELD : 1.1. The scope of judicial review regarding compliance with
E principles of natural justice is the same whether it was a writ petition filed
under Article. 226 of the Constitution of India or a suit filed in the civil
court. (982.-Gl

~.2. Sin.ce B, 'the colnplainant, was·· not examined, it cannot be said
F to be a Case of no evidence. Witnesses were examiried including tWo officers
of the Bank who conducted the preliminary enquiry and had recorded the
statements of witnesses including B. They spoke to the preliminary enquiry
conducted by them and the statement of B recorded by them. Other Bank
officials were examined to establish that the letter addressed to the Teh-
sildar In fact 'written· bf and bears signature of the· respondent. The
G Patwari was· also examined. It is on the basis of this evidence that the
enquiry officer had come 'to the condusion that both charges were estab-
lished inspite of non-exa'mination of B. Neither the Trial Court nor the
first Appellate Court ha~e found that it is a case of no evidence. The
additional ground assigned by the High Court is, therefore, unsustainable
H in law. (983-A-C] · .. '

..
STATE BANK OF PATIALAv. S.K. SHARMA 975

2.1. TI1e several procedural provisions governing: the disciplinary · A
enquiries (llhether provided by rules made under the proviso to Article 309
J.... of the Constitution, under regulations 1nade by ~tatutory bodies in exercise
of the power conferred by a statute or for that matter, by way of a statute)
are nothing but tlaborJtion of the principles of natural justice and their
se\·eral facets. It is a case of coditication of the several facets of rule of audi
alteram pwtem or the rule against bias. Regulation 68(ii)(x)(b)(iii) of the
B
State Bank of Patiala (Olficers') Service Regulations, 1979 is part of a
regulation made in exercise of statutory authority. The sub-clause incor-
I. porates a facet oftbe principles of natural justice. It is designed to provide
I( an adequate opportunity to the ·delinquent officer to cross-~xamine the
witnesses effectively and the~eby defend hims~lf properly. It is a procedurdl C
provision. l\lerely because, word "_shall" is used therein it cannot be held to
be mandatory. l\loreover, even a mandatOry requirement can be waived by
the person coricerned if such mandatory Provision is conceh:cd in his
interest and not in publiC interest. From his conduct, the respohdent must
be deen1ed t~, have waived it. Tiiis is an rispect \\'hich n1ust be borne in ~ind D
\\'bile examining a complaint of non-observance of procedural rules g1n·ern-
ing such enquiries. As a rule, all such procedural rules are designed to
afford a full and proper opportunity to the delinquent oflicer/employee to
defend himself and are, therefore, . conceived in his interest. Hence,
whether. mandatory or directory, they would normally be conctiwd in
his interest only. Tims sub-clause (iii) is conceived in the interest of E .
the delinquent oflicer, and hence, he 'could wain it..[987-D·E; 985'.C-D;
1001-E-F;.1003-E-G] .

Dhire11dra Nath Goraiv.Sudhir Cha11dra Ghosh & Ors., [1964] 4 S.C.R. .
1001 and Krisha11 Lal v. State of Jammu & Kashmir, [199~] 4 S.C.C. 422, F
relied on.

· 2.2. In the instant case. though the copies of the statements of two .
witnesses (Patwari and B) were not furnished, the respondent _was per_-: _
milted to peruse them and take note~ therefrom more than three days prior·
to their examination. Of the rn'o \\itnesses, B was not examined and only G
Patwari was examined. The respondent did not raise _any objection during
the enquiry that the non-furnishing of the copies of the statements is
disabling him or has disabled him, as the case may be, from effectively •
cross-examining the witnesses or to defend himself. No prejudice has
resulted to the respondent on account _of not furnishing him the copies of H
976 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1996] 3 S.C.R.

A the statements of witnesses. In the circumstances there has been a substan-
tial compliance of. Regulation 68(ii)(x)(b)(iii) of the Regulations, though
not a full compliance. Therefore, failure to literally comply with Regulation
68(ii)(x)(b)(iii) would not vitiate the enquiry altogether. Setting aside the
llllnishment and the entire enquiry on the ground of violation of sub-clause
" interest of justice, but would be its negation.
(iii) would not be in the
B (1006-F-H; 1007-B]

3.1. Justice means justice between both the parties. The interests of
justice equally demand that the guilty should be punished and that tech-
nicalities and irregularities which do not occasion failure of justice are not
C allowed to defeat ends of justice. Principles of natural justice are but the
means to achieve the ends of justice. They cannot be perverted to achieve the
opposite end. That would be a counter-productive exercise. Principles of
natural justice cannot be reduced to any hard and fast formulae and cannot
be put in a straight-jacket. Their applicability depends upon the context and
the facts and circumstances of each case. [1003-H; 1004-A; 999-E]
D
Mahendra Singh Gill v. Chief Election Commissioner, (1978] 2 S.C.R.
272 and Russel v. Duke of Noifolk, (1949) 1 All. E.R. 109, referred to.

3.2. It would not be correct to say that for any and every violation of a <
facet of natural justice or of a rule incorporating such facet, the order_
E passed is altogether void and ought to be set aside without further enquiry.
The approach and test adopted in B. Karunakar should govern all cases
where the complaint is not that there was no hearing (no notice, no oppor-
tunity and no hearing) but one of not affording a proper hearing (i.e.,
adequate or a full hearing) or of violation of a procedural rule or require-
F ment governing the .enquiry; the complaint should be examined on the
touch-stone of prejudice. It is from the stand point of fair hearing· applying ~:
the test of prejudice, as it may be called • that any and every complaint of
violation of the rule of audi alteram partem should be examined. The test is
: all things taken tog~ther whether the delinquent officer/employee. had or
G did not have a fair he~ring. (1000-F-G; 999-H; 1000-F]
'I . •I
Managing Director E.C.I.L. v. B. Kanmakai; (1993] 4 S.C.C. 727, _f?l-
lowed.

l 4.1. An order pJ~sed imposing a punishment on an. employe1(upon a
' • . ! .. ,;·. ' . .' .. ', ' · f '

1f H disciplinary/departmental
~ . ' .
enquiry
,.
' - .,
in violation.
'
of the rules/regula-.
'
r
i
.

i
STATE BANKOFPATIALAv. S.K.SIIARMA 977

tions/statutory pro\"isions governing: such ~nquiries should not be set aside A
automatically. The Court or Tribu.nal should enquire \\'hether (a) the
provision violated is of a substantive natu~e or (b) \\'h.ether it is pri>cedural
in charncter. [100.t-C-D)

4.2. A substanthre provision has normally to be con1plied u·itli ~nd the
B
theory of ~ubst~ntial compliance or the test of prejudice would not be
applicable in such a case. (100.t-D-E)

4.3. In the case of ,·iolation of a procedurJl provision, the position is
this: prncedurJI provisions are generally meant for alTording a reasonable
and adequate opportunity to .the delinquent officer/employee. They are, C
generally speaking:, conceived in his interest. Violation of any and every
procedural provision cannot be said to automatically vitiate the enquiry ·
held or order passed. Except cases falling under 'no notice', 'no opportunity
and 'no hearing' categories, the complaint of violation of procedural_
provision should be examined from the stand point of view of prejudice, viz., D
"·hether such violation has prejudiced the delinquent officer/employee in
defending himself properly and elTectively. If it is found that he has been so
prejudiced, appropriate orders have to be made to repair and remedy the
prejudice including the setting aside the em1uiryand/or the order of punish-
ment. If no prejudice is established to have resulted therefroin, it is obvious,
no interference is called for. There may be certain procedural provisions E
which are Or a fundamental character, whose violation is by itself proof of
prejudice. The Court may not insist on proof of prejudice in such cases.
Whether there is a provision expressely providing that arter the evidence of
the employer/government is over, the employee shall be given an oppor·
tunity to lead, defence in his evidence and in a gil'en case, the ent1uiry ollicer F
does not give that opportunity inspite of the delin<Juent officer/employee·
asking for it. The prejudice is self-evident. No proof of prejudice as such
need be called for in such a case. Thus, the test is one of prejudice, i.e.,
whether the person has received a fair hearing considering all things. The
very aspect can also be looked at from the point of view of directory and
mandatory provisions, if one is so inclined.' 111e principle stated herein.. G
below is only another way of looking at the same aspect as :is dealt with
herein and not a dilTerent or distinct principle. [1004-E-11; 1005-A-C]

4.4. In the case of a procedural provision which is not of a mandatory
character, the complaint of violation has to be examined from the H
•
978 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1996] 3 S.C.R.

A standpoint of Substantial compliance. Be that as it n1ay, the order passed in
violation of such a provision ran he set aside only where such violation has
occasioned pr~judice to the delim1uent employee. [HIOS-C-D]

4.5. In the case of violation of a procedural provision, which is of a
nulndator}' rharacter, it has to be ascertained n·hether the provision is
B conceived in the interest of the person proceeded against or in puhli_c
interest. If it in found to be the forn1er, then it rnuSt be seen \\'bet.her the
delinquent otlicer has waived the said requiren1ent, either explicitly or by
his conduct. If he is found to have waived it, then the order of punishment
cannot be set aside on the ground of said violation. If, on tl~e other hand, it
C is found that the delin.<1uent ollicer/employee has not or that the provision
could not be waived by him, then the Court or Tribunal should. make
appropriate directions (including the setting aside of the order of punish-
ment). The ultin1ate test is al\\-ays the same, viz., test of prejudice. or the test
of fair hearing, as the case may he. [1005-D-F]

D Managing Direct01; E.C.J.L. v. B. Kmunakm; [1993] 4 S.C.C. 727,
followed.

4.6. Where the en.11uiry is nut governed by any rules/regula-
tions/statutory Jlrovisions and the only obligation is to observe the prin-
ciples of natural justice - or, for that 1natter, \Vherever such principles are
E held to be implied by the very nature and impact of the order/action- the
Court or the Tribunal should 1nake a distinction between a 'total.violation of
natural justice (rule of Audi alteran1 pa1ten1) and violation of a facet of the
said rule. A distinction must he made between "no opportunity" and "no
ade<1uate opportunity", i.t'., between -"no notice"/"no hearing 11 and "no f3ir
F. hearing:". (a) In the case of for1nt'r, the order passed \\'ould undoubtt>dly be
invalid (one n1ay call it '\oid" or a nullity if one chooses to.) In such cases,
11orn1ally, liberty \\'ill' be reserved for the authority to take proceedings,
afresh according to law, i.e., in acc,~rdance with the said rule (audi altera111
pt11ten1). (h) But in the_ latter case, the efl'ect of violation (of a facet of the rule
G of audi altercnn pa1te111) has to be exa1nined front the standpoint of
prejudice; it is to he seen hy the Court or Tribunal whether in the totality of
the circu1nstanccs. the delinquent oflicer/entployee did or did not have a fair
hearing and the order to be made shall depend upon tl1e answer to the said
}
query. [1005-G-H; 11106'.A-B]

H 4.7. While applying the rule of audi a/ceram pwtem (the primary
~r

.STATE BANK OF PATIAI::Av. S.K.'SHARMA 919

pti1idple of natllral justice) 'ther1iurt/Tribunal/Aiithority must al,_;ays A
bear··in n1ind the· ultiniitte- and uver-riding·Ohjective·undei-Iying tlie~said
rule, viz., to ensure a fair he·aring aild to.ensure· ihat'thefe is r'lfJ failure of
justice. It is this objeciive·which sh1iuld ·guide ihein ili applying the rule to
varying situations that arise before them. [1006-D-E]
. " . ,, ~ ' ' ) ' .~ ii l "~ . 't '. 'f ' '. '.

4.8. There may be situations where the interests of State or public' B'
interest may call for curtailing of the rule of audi alteram pmtem. In such
situations, the Court may have to balance pubik!Si~tt inierest »vith the
. requirement ·of natura_I justice. an'd ~i'r~ivC ~at an ·ap'propi-iat: de~isiono
•- , · [1006-E-F]
4.9. The principles stated above are .by no means intended to be
' . . -t ' ·.·' ·rlr,. ) \., . . . -., •, .
C
~xhaustive and are ··evolved keeping in view· the Context Of diSciplinary
enquiries and orders of punishm~nt .imposed by an employer upon the
employee, (1004-B]
~I • > . • .
State of Uttar Pradesh.v. Mohd. Noah, [1958] S.C.R. 595; G.B. Gautam
v. Union of India & Ors., [1993] 1 S.C.C. 78; Sunil Kumar Bane1jee v. State D
of West Bengal & Ors., '[1980] 3 S.C.R; 179, Chintapalli Agency TA.S.CS.
Limited v. Secretary (F&A) Govemm?nt .of Andhra Pradesh, ·AIR (1977) SC'
2313 and S.L. Kapoor, v. Jagmohai1, •[1981] l S.C.R. 746, followed.
•'
A.K. Roy v. Union of India, [1982] 1 S.C.C. 271; Swadeshi Cotton Mills E
v .. Unioi1 of India, [1981l 1S.C.C.664;A.K. Kraipak & Ors. v. Union oj India
& Ors., [1969] 2 S.C.C. 262; Liberty Oil Mills v. Union of India,_ [1984] 3
S.C.C. 465; KL T1ipathi v. State Bank of India & Ors., [1984] 1 S.C.C. 43;
Hiranath Misra v. Rajendra Medical College, [1973] 1 S.C.C.'805; Janakinath
S.arangi v. State o[Olissa, [1969] 3. S.C.C. 392; Ridge,v, Baldi<'in, (1964) A.C.
40; M. Vasudevan .
v:
Pitiai City Co;mcii of Singapore,
- '
[1968]1
• J
W.L.R. 1278; F'
.'.>,· Calvin v. Can;, (1980) A.C. 574;AI Mehdawi v. Secretmy of State for the Home
Department, (1990) 1 A.C. 876; Malloch v. Aberdeen Coporation,, (1971) 2
v:
All. E.'R-.1278; R.. Secreiary of State for Transp01t ex pa1te Gwent County
Council, .(1987) 1 All KR. 161; Bush~//. v. Seoetmy of Statefor Environmen~
(1981) A.C. 75 and CCS.U. y. Ministcrforthe Civil Se1vice, (1985) A.C. 374, G
referred to/Wade on Administrative Law (Seventh Edition) P. S15, referred
fo.

Unim,.iJf India v. Mohd. Ramzan Khan, [1991]1S.C.C.588;'State of
Bo'!ibay v: Nam/ Latif Khan, [1965] 3 S.C.R. 135; State of Utta~· Pradesh &
, Anr. _v.. S1i GS. Slup111a, (1967) J S.C.R. 848;-.Unioii of India .v. T.R:· Vm1na, H
980 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1996] 3 S.C.R.

A (1958] S.C.R. 499; State of 01issa v. Dr. Binapani Devi, [1967) 2 S.C.R. 625;
R. v.Beare, [1988] 2 S.C.R. 387, Grewal v. Canada, (1992] 1 Canada Federal
Court Reports 581 and Maradana Mosq11e Tntstees v. Mahm11d, (1967) 1
A.C.13 and Wooq v. Woad, (1874) LR 9 Ex. 190, cited.

CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Civil Appeal No. 5129 of
B 1996 ..

From the Judgment and Order dated 23.5.95 of the Punjab &
Haryana High Court in R.S.A. No. 2529 of 1994.

S.P. Goyal and.Ms. Arnita Gupta for the Appellants.,
c
O.P. Rana and R.C. Gubrele for the Respondents.

The Judgment of the Court was delivered by

B.P. JEEVAN REDDY, J. Leave granted. Heard counsel for the
D parties.
(

This appeal preferred against the judgment and decree of the Punjab
and Haryana High Court dismissing the second appeal filed by the appel-
lant raises certain basic question concerning natural justice in the context
of disciplinary proceedings.
''
E
A disciplinary enquiry was held against the respondent in respect of
two charges. They are :

"Charge No. 1

'That he did not deposit the sum of Rs. 10,000 handed over to him
F
by Sh. Balwant Singh in December 1985, in the crop loan account
of Sh. Jarnail Singh S/o. Sh. Lahra Singh. Later on the entire
amount of R. 11,517-50 outstanding in the account was deposited
by someone on the 22nd March 1986 under the signature of Sh.
Balwant Singh. He thus utilised the amount of Rs. 10,000 for
G approximately 3 months for his own advantage.'

Charge No. II
_)
'That he, in contravention of Regulation 50(4) of the State Bank
of Patiala (Officers') Service Regulations 1979, issued an undated
H letter in his own handwriting addressed to the Tehsildar, Bhatinda
... STATE BANKOFPATIALAv. S.K. SHARMA [JEEVAN REDDY,J.] 981

for revocation ofMutatiof}-(lnthc Jand'inortgaged to the Bank even A
when the crop Joan account of Shri Jarnail Singh was not adjusted.
He thus jeopardised the interests of the Bank'."

Al the relevant time, the respondent was working as the Manager of
Kot Falla branch of the appellant-Bank. The charge against the respon-
.dent, in short, is one of temporary misappropriation. One Jarnail Singh had B
taken a loan of Rupees ten thousand from the Bank. After .Tamai! ·Singh's
death, his son, Balwant Singh' came and handed over a. sum of Rupees ten
thousand to the respondent in December, 1985 ;in disc.harge of the said
loan. In February, 1986, the respondent was transferre.d to another liran'ch.
In Mar~h, Balwant Singh went to the Bank. and discover6d that· the amount
paid by him to the respondent was not credited t~ his/his fpther's account.
c
Soon thereafter, a sum of Rs. ll,517.50p was deposited in the Bank in the
name of Balwant Singh. The appellant-Bank's case .is that having received
the amount from Balwant Singh in December, 1985, the respondent did not
credit the said amount into the Bank account until March, 1986, though tie
issued a, Jetter addressed to TehsiJdar; Bhatinda in December, 1985 itself. D
to the effect that since the crop Joan amount has been adjusted; the entry
tegar,ding mortgage of land of J atnail Singh in favour of tlie 'Bank be
revoked.

'" ·Before ordering a regular oral enquiry, the Bank had directed Sri
K.J Wadhan and Sri P.N. Garg to conduct a preliminary enquiry:'The said E
officers examined witnesses including Balwant Singh and the Patwari of the
village, Sri Kaur Singh, and also gathered necessary documentary evidence.
• It is on. the basis of the material so_ gathered and the preliminary report
they submitted that the regular oral enquiry was ordered. In the enquiry,
',\ six \vitnesscs'(PWs. l to 6) were examined on behalf of the Bank and three F
,. witnesses (DWs. 1 to 3) on behalf of the respondent. The Bank examined
Sri K.J. Wadhan and Sri P.N. Garg who had conducted the preliminary
enquiry .and recorded the statements of Balwant Singh among others. The
Patwari, Kaur Singh, was examined as PW-5. The other t'1.ree witnesses,
PWs.3, 4 and 6 are the employees of the Bank who spoke to ihe various
. aspects of the Bank's case, BaJwant Singh who ·was the complainant did G
not appear as a witness at the regular enquiry·inspite of severai 'attempis
made to procure his presence, though his statement had been recorded
~uriiig the preliminary enquiry. . .

At the conclusion of the enquiry ' , a report was submitted by the H
982 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1996] 3 S.C.R.

A enquiry officer holding both the charges established. The competent
authority accepted the report and ordered. the removal of the respondent
from the service. Ari appeal and a review submitted by the respondent were
dismissed. The respondent thereupon instituted a suit in the court of
learned Sub-Judge, Jlnd Class, Bhatinda for a declaration that the order
of removal is void and illegal and for a declaration that he continues to be
B in service with all consequential benefits. The Trial Court rejected all the
grounds urged by the respondent in support of his case except one, viz.,
that "the list of witnesses and list of documents were not supplied along
with charge-sheet and then the same were not supplied by the presenting
officer during the course of enquiry". On the only ground that "this argu-
c ment of the learned counsel for the plaintiff was not meted out by the
learned counsel for the· defendants in his written arguments", the Trial
Court held the allegation established. It found that the said failure to
supply is violative· of Regulation 68(x)(b)(iii) of the State Bank of Patiala
(Officers') Service Regulations, 1979 and on that basis, decreed the suit.
D On appeal, the judgment and the decree of the Trial Court was affirmed.
The Appellate Court found the following facts: during the ·course of
enquiry, the presenting officer filed a provisional list of documents/wit-
nesses (P-2) on June 2, 1987. The list contained nine documents including
the statements of Kaur Singh, Patwari, and Balwant Singh, complainant.
The said documents were marked as P-3 to P-11. Though a copy of the list
E of documents/statements was supplied to the respondent-plaintiff, copies
of the documents P-3 to P-11 were not supplied to him. He was, however,
advised to peruse, examine and take notes of the said documents/state-
ments. This opportunity was given only half an hour before the commen-
cement of the enquiry proceedings. The Appellate Court found that in the
F above circu1nstancc\ there was a clear violation of Rcgulcttion 68 \vhich
has prejudicially affected the respondent'• defence. The second appeal
filed by the Bank was dismissed by a learned single Judge of the High
..
Court affirming the said finding. The learned .Judge in fact assigned one
more ground in support of the respondent's case, viz., that inasmuch as
Bahvant Singh was not examined, it is a case of 'no evidence'. Before
G entering upon the discussion of issues arising herein, it is well to reiterate
the well-accepted proposition that the scope of judicial review in these
matters is the same whether it is a writ petition filed under Article 226 of
the Constitution of India or a suit filed in the civil court.

H To clear the ground for considering the main question arising herein,
STATE BANKOFPATIALAr. S.K. SHARMA
\•<
[JEEVAN REDDY,J.] 983

we may first dispose of the additional :ground assigned by the High Court. A
Because Balwant ·Singh, the <;omplairlcint., \Vas not exaniine<l, it cannot be
said to be a case of n6 evidence. As stated above, as many as six witnesses
were examined including two officers of the Bank who conducted the
preliminary enquiry and had recorded the statements of witnesses includ-
ing Balwanl Singh. They spoke lo the preliminary enquiry conducted by B
them and the statement of Balwanl Singh recorded by them. Other Bank
officials were examined to cstabli.sh th.at the letter Exh. P-6 addressed to.
the Tehsildar, Bhatindawas in fact written by and bears the signature of
the respondent. Kaur Singh, Pat{vari, was a]so exam:incd. It 'is on the basis
of this evidence ihat the enquiry officer ·had come lo the conclusion that
both the charges were established inspile of non-examination of Balwant C
Singh. Neither the Trial Court nor the first Appellate Court .have found
that it i_s a ca~e of no evidence . The additional. ground assigned by the
High C<;>urt is, therefore, unsustainable in law.

Now, coming to the m'ain ground ~pon which. the plaintiffs case has D
been decreed, viz., the non-furnishing of the copies of the_ statements of
witnesses and documents, the factual position as found by the Appellate
Court is- to the follo~ing effect: though a list of documents/witnesses was
furnished to the ·respon.dent before. the .commencement of the enquiry, the
copies of the documents and statementi;;, recorded during the preliminary
enquiry were not supplied to the respondent. Half an. hour before the E
com_mencement of the enquiry proceedings, the respondent \Va~.advised to
-peruse the said.documents and the· statements of witnesses which he <lid.
Balwanl-Singh was not examined at the regular enquiry. The other witness
v.,rho was examined d4ring. the prelimin~ry enquiry, Kaur Singh,_ Patwari 1

was examined at the reguJ;.jr enqt.Jiry. The question is wh('.ther_ on-:thc above . F
facts, it can be held. that. there is a violation of Regulation 68 and whether
the violation, if any, vitiates the en'quiry. Regulation 68, insofar as 1s
relevant .reads thus ::

"(a) The inquiring authority shall where the officer docs not admit
all or any of the articles of charge furnish to such officer a list of G
• documents by which and a. list of witnesses by whom, the articles
of charge are· proposed to be proved..

(b) The inquiring authority· shall also record an order. that the
officer may for the purpose of preparing his defence : H
984 SUPREME C"URT REPORTS [1996] 3 S.C.R .

A (i)
•
Inspect and take note> of the documents listed within five days
of the order or within such further time not exceeding five
days as the inquiring authority may allow:

(ii) submit a list of documents and witnesses that he wants for
enqrnry.
B
(iii) be supplied with copies of statements of wit11esses, if any,
recorded earlier and the Inquiring Authority shall furnish
such. copies not later than three days before the commenceme11t
of the examination of the wit11esses by the !11qui1i11g Auth01ity.
c (Emphasis added)

(iv) gave a notice within ten days of the order or within such
further time not exceeding ten days as the inquiring authority
may allow for the discovery of production of the documents
D referred to at (ii) above."

(Taken from the Judgment of the Appellate Court)

It is sub-clause (iii) which is said to have been violated in this case, •r
The sub-clause provides that copies of the statements of witnesses, if any,
E recorded earlier shall be furnished to the delinquent officer "not later three
days before the commencement of the examination of witnesses by the
Inquiring Authmity." From the appellate Court judgment, it appears that
on June 2, 1987, the respondent was given an opportunity of perusing and
taking notes from the said documents and statements of witnesses and that
F the enquiry also commenced on that day. It, however, appears from a copy
of the enquiry report that the six witnesses for the Bank were examined on
., .
the following dates: $/Sri K. S. Wadhan and P.N. Garg (PWs.1 and 2) on
July 6, 1987, S/Sri Mangat Rai Verma, Prakash Singh and Kaur Singh
(PWs. 3, 4 and 5) on July 7, 1987 and Sri Ashwini Kumar (PW-6) on July
27, 1987. The three defence witnesses were also examined on July 27, 1987.
G It is thus evident that though copies of the statements of Kaur Singh and
Balwant Singh were not supplied to the respondent, he was permitted to
peruse the same more than three days prior to the examination of wit-
nesses. It is necessary to emphasise that sub-clause (iii) aforesaid only
speaks of copies of statements of witnesses recorded earlier and does not
H refer to documents. So far as the documents are concerned, the only right
•
' ' ' STATE BANK OF PATIALAv. Sf. SHARMA[JEEVAN REDDY, J.] 985
/
•
given to the delinquent officer by Rtgulation 68 is to inspect and take notes A
and, that has been_ done: Coming back to the statements of witnesses,
· Balwant Singh was not examined at the oral enquiry at all as stated above.
·Only Kaur.Singh,,,Patwari, was examined. The issue boils down to this:
whether the failure.to literally comply with s_ub-clause (iii) of clause (b) of
regulation 68(ii) (x) vitiates the enquiry altogether or whether it can be held B
in the circumstances that there has been a substantial compliance with the
said sub- clause and that.on-that account, the enquiry and the punishment
awarded cannot be said to have been vitiated.
!'I

:-... Su_b-clause (iii) aforesaid is indisputably part of a regulation made in .
'·' exercise of statutory authority. The sub-clause 'incorporates a facet of the C
principle ofnatural justice. It is designed to· provide an adequate oppor-
tunity to the delinquenf officeno cross-examine the witnesses effectively
and theteby'defend himself properly: It is.relevant to note in this behalf
that neither the enquiry officer's report nor the judgment of the Trial
Court, Appellate Court or High Court say that the respondent had D
_protested at the relevant. time that he was denied of an adequate oppor-
tunity· to cross-examine the witnesses effectively or to defend himself
·properly on account of non,supply of the statements of witnesses. The
Appellate Court, on the contrary, has recorded that when. he was advised
to ·peruse, examine and take ·notes from the, documents including the
statements of witnesses (Kaur Singh and Balwant Singh), the only objection E
raised by the respondent. was that "the documents marked Exh. P-6, P-10
and P-11 were only photostat copies and not originals and should not be
considered or marked exhibits". (Exhs. P-6, P-10 and P-11 are documents
other than the statements- of witnesses, i.e., of Kaur Singh and Balwant
Singh) Moreover, as pointed.out above, the exa1nination of witnesses began F
long after- the expiry of three days from the day on which .the respondent
was advised to and he did peruse the documents and statements of wit-
nesses. In the ·circumstances, it is possible to say that.there has been a
substantial c(;ifipji;;Ilce' with the aforesaid sub-clause (iii) in the facts and
t;:ircumstances ·of this case, though not a. full compliance. This, in tuin,
raises the questio~ whether.each _and every violation of rules or regulations G
governing the enquiry automatically vitiates the. enquiry and the punish-
ment awarded or whether the test of substantial compliance can be invoked
i.n case$ Qf such violation and whether- the issue has to be,examined frOm
the point of view of prejudice. So far as t_he position obtaini~g ·under the
!:ode .of Civil Procedure and· code of Criminal Procedure is· concerned, H
I

"'
986 SUPREME COURT REPORTS IJ996]3 S.C.R.

A there arc specific provisions thereunder providing for such situation. There
is Section 99 Df the Code of Civil Procedure an<l Chapter 35 of the Code
of Criminal Procedure. Section 99 C.P.C. says, "no decree shall he reversed
or substantially varied nor shall any case be remanded in appeal on
account of any misjoinder or non·joinder of parties or causes of action or
any e11"01; deject oi· iJTegulmity in any proceedings in the suit, not affecting the
B meiits of the case or the jwisdiction of Cowt." Section 465(1) of the Criminal
Procedure Code, which occurs in Chapter 35 similarly provides that "sub-
ject to the provisions hereinbeforc contained, no finding, sentence or order
passed by a court of competent jurisdiction shall be reversed or altered by
a court of appcat confirmation or revision on account of any error,
C omission or irregularity in the con1plaint, summons, warrant, proclamation,
,. ..
order, judgment or other proceedings before or during t1ial or in any enquily
or other proceeding under this Code or any error or irregularity in any
sanction for the prosecution unless in the opinion of that court a failure of
11
justice has in fact been occasioned thereby.
D
It is not brought to our notice that the State Bank of Patiala
(Officers') Service Regulation contains provision corresponding to Section
99 C.P.C. or Section 465 Cr. P.C. Does it mean that any and every violation
of the regulations renders the enquiry and the punishment void or whether
the principle underlying Section 99 C.P.C. and Section 465 Cr. P.C. is
E applicable in the case of disciplinary proceedings as well. In our opinion,
the test in such cases should be one of prejudice, as would be later
explained in this judgment. But this statement is subject to a rider. The
regulations may contain certain substantive provisions, e.g., \Vho is the
authority con1petent to impose a particular punishment on a particular
F cmploycc/officcr. Such provisions must he strictly complied with. But there
may be any number of procedural provisions which stand on a different
footing. We must hasten to add that even among procedural provisions,
there may be some provisions which are of a fundamental nature in the
case of which the theory of substantial compliance may not be applicable.
For example, take a case where a rule expressly provides that the delin-
quent officer/employee shall be given an opportunity to produce
evidence/material in support of his case after. the close of evidence of the
other side. If no such opportunity is given al all inspite of a request
therefor, it will be difficult lo say that the enquiry is not vitiated. But in
respect of many procedural provisions, it would be possible to apply the
theory of substantial compliance or the test of prejudice, as the case may
I STATE BANK OF PATIALAv. S.K. SHARMA [JEEVAN REDDY,J.] 987

be. The position tan be stated in the following words: (1) Regulations ·A
which are of a.substantive natuic have to be complied with and in case of
such provisions, .the theory of substantial compliance would not be avail-
able: (2) Even among .procedural provisions, there may.be some provisions
of a fundamental nature which have to be complied with and in whose case,
the theory of substantial compliance may not be available. (3) In respect B
of procedural.provisions other than of a .fun·damcntal nature, the theory
of substantial compliance would be available:· In such cases, complaint/ob-
jection on this scope have to be judged on the touch-stone of prejudice, as
explained later in this judgment. In otherwords; the test is: all things taken
-..,
.- ,_"I. together whether the delinquent officer/employee had or did not have a fair
.hearing. We may clarify that which provision falls in which of the aforesaid C
categories is a. matter to be derided ·in each. case having· regard to the
nature and ·character of the relevant provision::

. It would be appropriate to pause h,ere and clarify a douqt which one
may.entertain with respect to the principles aforestated. The several pro-
cedural provisions governing the disciplinary enquiries (whether provided D
by rules made under the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution, under
~ · regulations made by statutory bodies in exercise of the power conferred by
•-i a statute or for that matter, by way of a.statute) are nothing but elaboration
. of the.principles of natural justic<;: and their.severnl facets. It is a case "o.f,
codifition;of ihe several facets of -rul<; •of ·Olldi .alteram palte'!' ·Or the xule .E
agairist bias.. On~ may ·ask, i~ ,a -decision arrived, at in ".iolatign of principles
:~X t;t'!l.t1;1.ral. justic~ "is voiq,. how come a decision arrived at in violation.. of
rules/regulations/statutory provisions incorporating the said rules can :be
said .to be not void in certain situat~ons. ·It is.this, do~bt .which· .needs a
_.. >! clarification·- which.in turn calls)'.or a disc~s?ion of the question Whether .p
~ de,cision arr~vcd at in v~olation of a~y and. cVe:ry facet of principles of
natural justice is void ..

The first decision on -·this aspect is that of the House of Lords in
Ridg~ ~.:Baldw(i1, (1964j P.:c.
40 and tl]e.oft-'quoted words are that of Lord
Reid,.to wit: . : · · _· _ '.. -~ .. _ ·_ ·· • _ _ · _·_ .. · - G
,.
"Then there was considerable argument whether in· the result the
watch C~rllmittee's d¢cisioii was void ·or merely vo.idable.' Time and
time again in ihe cases 1 have cited it has b.cen stated that a decision
given without regard to the principles of natural justice is void and · H:
988 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1996] 3 S.C.R.

A that was expressly decided in Wood v. Woad, (1874) LR 9 Ex. 190.
I sec no reason lo doubt these authorities. The body with the power +
lo decide cannot lawfully proceed lo make a decision until it has
afforded to the·pcrson affected a proper opportunity to state his
case. "

B It must, however, be remembered that that was a case where the appellant-
chief constable was dismissed without notice and without enquiry; He was
tried and acquitted on a criminal charge of conspiracy to obstruct the
course of justice. Two other police constables, who were tried alongwith
him, were convicted. While acquitting the appellant, the learned Judge
c commented adversely at more than one place upon the leadership qualities
of the chief constable suggesting that he was found wanting in that respect.
Thereupon, the Brighton Watch Committee, without giving any notice or
hearing to him, dismissed him from service. The violation was thus of a
fundamental nature. It was a case of total violation of the principle of
D natural justice*. There could not be a greater violation of natural justice
than that.

We may now consider the decision of the Privy Council in M.
Vasudevan Pillai v. City Council of Singapore, [1968] 1 W.L.R. 1278. The
facts of this case are rather involved. The Singapore Municipal Ordinance
E provided that in a case of misconduct which in the opinion of the head of
the department merited dismissal, the head of the department should
outline the case to the president or the deputy president and hold an
enquiry. The record of enquiry shall thereafter be considered by the
president or the deputy president who was entitled to cause such further
F enquiry as he may think appropriate and then make his final decision. If
the decision was to dismiss the employee, the decision was to be conveyed
by the head of the department to the employee who was given a right of
appeal to the Establishments Committee. The appellants were daily rated
unskilled labourers. On the allegation of misconduct, an enquiry was held
G by the head of the department wherein the appellants participated. There-

It is in this context, it was obse1ved that it is not open to <111 authority which has not
given a notice or hearing to the affected person to say that even if it had given such
an opportunity, the ,affected person had nothing worthwhile to say or that the result
would not have hcen different even if such a notice or hearing is given. Of course, no
definite opinion was expressed on this aspect in Ridge v. Baldwin, as pointed out by
H the Privy Council in /\faradana Musque Tru.\·tee.~ v. J\fahmud, (1967) 1 A.C. 13 at 24.
STATE BANK OF PATIALAv. S.K.SHARMAfJEEVAN REDDY.J.) 989

after, the deputy president asked certain questions from the head of the A
department and the latter supplied the necessary information. This was not
disclosed to the appellants. They were dismissed. On appeal, a de nova
hearing was afforded to the appellants by the Establishments Committee.
Thereupon, the appellants brought an action in Singapore Courts which
ultimately reached the Privy Council. The Privy Council recalled, in the B
first instance, the statement of law on this subject as stated by Lord Reid
in Ridge v. Baldwin lo the effect that unless the conditions of service are
governed by a statute or statutory rules, principles of natural justice have
no place in a dispute between master and servant. The statement from
Ridge runs thus :
.... c
"The law regarding master and servant is not in doubt. There
cannot be specific performance of a contract of service, and the
master can terminate lhe contract with his servant at any time and
for any reason or for none. But if he does so in a manner not
warranted by the contract he must pay damages for breach of D
contract. So the question in a pure case of master and servant does
not at all depend on whether the master has heard the servant in
his own defence; it depends on whether the facts emerging at the
~trial prove breach of contract. But this kind of case can resemble
dismissal from an office where the body employing the man is E
under some statutory or other restriction as to the kind of contract
which it can make with its servants, or the grounds on which it can
dismiss them."

On the facts of the appeal before them, the Pri'Y Council held, in the first F
instance, that at the stage of the deputy president asking questions and the
.. 1 head of the department supplying him information, the principles of
natural justice had no application. Alternately, they held that even if the
said principles did apply, even then it must be held that the said violation
was cured by what happened before the Establishments Committee (i.e.,
on appeal). Since there was a re-hearing before the Establishments Com- G
mittee and evidence was called de novo and also becau~e no grievance was
made with respect to the proceedings before the Establishments Commit-
tee, the invalidity arising from the violation of principles of natural justice
at the earlier stage was cured. This decision was referred with approval in
1980 by the Privy Council in Calvin v. Ca1T**, (1980) A.C. 574 in the H
990 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1996] 3 S.C.R.

A following words :

11
Their Lordships regard this as a decision that in the context,
namely one of regulations concerning establishn1cnts procedures,
justice can be held to be done if, ajier all these procedures had been
gone through, the disn1issed jJe1:~·011 has had a fair hca1ing and put
B his case. It is thus an authority in favouring the existence of the
inter1nediate category, but not necessarily one in favour of a
general rule lhal firsl instance defects are cured by an appeal.
Their Lordships are also of opinion that the phrase 'hearing of
evidence de nova' though useful in that case, does not provide a
c universal solvent. Jf'hat is required is exaniination of the hea1ing
process, <Higinal and appeal as a whole, and a decision on the ..
-~

question t<vhether after it has been gone through the coniplainant has
had a fair deal of the kind that he bargained for."

(Emphasis added)
D
Al Mehdwai v. Secretary of State for the Home Department, (1990) 1
A.C. 876 was an interesting case. On the ground of overstaying in United
Kingdom, the appellant was given a notice proposing to deport him. The
appellant's solicitors lodged a notice of appeal and informed the appellant,
E on his correct address, of the action taken by them. When the solicitors
were notified of the <late of hearing, they wrote to the appellant informing
him of the date of hearing, but this letter was sent on the old address. The
appellant did not receive it. The solicitors, finding no response from the
appellant, took no steps in the matter and the appeal was dismissed. The
solicitors again wrote lo the appellant bul on lhe old address again. When
F
Calvin. v. Ca!T was a c<ise where the first contention of the plaintiff was that since the
decision against him was arrived at in violation of the principle of natural juStice, il
was void and no appeal lay against an order which was void. "A condition precedent,
it was said, of an uppeal was the existence of a real. even though voidable decision".
The Privy Council dealt with the argument in the following words: "1'his argun1cnt has
led necessarily into the difficult area of what is void and what is voidable, as to which
G some confusion exists in the authorities. lbcir Lordships' opinion would be, if it
becon1e necessary to fix upon one or other of these expressions, that a decision 1nade
contrary to 11atural justice is void, but that, until it is so declared hy a competent body
or court, it may have son1e effect, or existence, in law. This condition might be better
expressed by saying that the decision is invalid or vitiated. In the present context, where
the question is whether an appeal lies, the i1npugned decision cannot be considered as
totally void, in the sense of being legally non- existent. So to hold would be wholly
H unreal.~
STATE BANK OF PATIALA v. S.K. SHARMA [JEEVAN REDDY, J.] 991

sought lo be deported, the appellant applied for judicial review of the A
deportation order on the ground of absence of notice to him. The High
Court and the Court of Appeal upheld his plea holding that notwithstand-
ing absence of fault by the Tribunal, there had been a breach of the
principle of audi a/teram partem, which constituted a fundamental flaw in
the decision-making process and that since the fault lay entirely with the
appellant's solicitors, there was a clear case for quashing the Tribunal's B
decision. On appeal to the House of Lords, the decision of High Court and
Court of Appeal was reversed. The House of Lords (Lord Bridge) ob-
served: "a party to the dispute who has lost the opportunity to have his case
heard through the default of his own advisers to whom he has entrusted
,. the conduct of the dispute on his behalf cannot complain that he has been c
• the victim of the procedural impropriety or that natural justice has been
denied to him ....... ". In other words, the House of Lords was of the opinion
that natural justice merely imposed standards of procedural fairness on the
decision-making authority and that natural justice does not demand that
the person affected should actually receive a fair hearing.***
D
We must, however, make it clear that it may be difficult to find
uniformity in the large number of decided cases in United Kingdom. For
example, take the decision of the Honse of Lords in Malloch v. Aberdeen
Corporation, [1971] 2 All. E.R. 1278. It was a case where the concerned
statute mandated that no resolution of a school Board for the dismissal of E
a certificated teacher was to be valid unless notice of the motion for
dismissal was sent to the teacher not less than three weeks previous to the
meeting. And, further that the resolution for the dismissal was not to be
valid unless agreed to by the majority of the full members of the Board.
The teacher concerned, Malloch, ¥las informed mote than three weeks in
advance. But his written request for an opportunity to submit counter F
representations was not granted and though he was present at the decisive
meeting, he was not permitted to state his case. The Court held that the

TI1is reminds us of what the Supre1ne Court of Canada said with respect to the meaning
of the words "principles of fundan1ental justice". Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of G
Rights and Freedoms, 1982 declares "every one has the right to life, liberty and security
of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the
principles of fundainental Justke". In R v. Beare, (1988] 2 S.C.R. 387, the Supreme Court
of Canada while interpreting the words "principles of fundan1ental justice" said that it
"guarantees fair procedure but does not guar-dntee the n1ost favourable procedure that
can possibly be in1agined''. Also see Grewal v. Canada, {1992) 1 Canada Federal Court
Reports 581. H
992 SUPREME COURT REP ORTS (1996] 3 S.C.R.

A statutory requirement of three weeks' notice before the decision was taken,
conferred an implied right to be heard. It was not done. By the notice dated
March 19, 1969, the service of the teacher was terminated with effect from
April 24, 1969. The House of Lords held that the concerned teacher was
denied by the education authority, which employed him, the hearing to
B which he was entitled. It was further found that the hearing to be afforded
would not be a useless formality, as there was an arguable case for the
teacher. Nonetheless, it was observed by Lord Reid (at P. 1283) :

"......... it was argued that to have afforded a hearing to the appellant
before dismissing him would have been a useless formality because
c whatever he might have said could have made no difference. If that
.
'""!
-
could be clearly demonstrated it might be a good answer."

Lord Guest (at P. 1291) not only agreed with the above statement
but also applied the test of prejudice. He observed :

D "A great many arguments might have been put forward but if none
of the1n had any chance of success then I can see no good reason
why the respondents should have given the appel/01zt a hearing, nor
can I see that he was prejudiced in any way."

E Lord Wilberforce too stated the principle in the following words (at
P. 1294) :

'The appellant has first to show that his position was such that he
had, in principle, a right to make representations before a decision
against him was taken. But to show this is not necessarily enough,
F unless he can also show that if admitted to slate his case he had
a case of substance to make. A breach of procedure, whether called
a failure of natural justice, or an essential administrative fault,
cannot give him a remedy in the courts, unless behind it there is
something of substance which has been lost by the failure. The court
does not act in vain."
G
In R. v. Secretaiy of State for Transp01t, ex parte' Gwent County
Council, (1987] 1 All. E.R. 161, the Court of Appeal too applied the test
of prejudice in a case of enhancement of toll charges over a bridge. The
Act provided for a public hearing before effecting increase. Dealing with
H a complaint of procedural impropriety, the Court of Appeal held that
STATE BANK OF PATIALAv. S.K. SHARMA [JEEVAN REDDY, .LJ 993

unless prejudice is established to have resulted from the procedural im- A
propriety, no interference was called for. In another case, Bushell v.
Secret my of State j(>r Environment, [1981] A.C. 75 the House of Lords held
that in the absence of statutory rules as to thl'. conduct of a local enquiry
under the Highways Act, 1959, the procedure to be followed was a matter
of discretion for the Secretary of State and the Inspector the only require-
ment being that the procedure followed should be fair to all concerned
B
including the general public. It is thus clear that the approach of the Court
depended upon the facts and circumstances of each case, the law ap-
plicable, the nature of the right claimed by the person affected and so on.
Having considered the principles emerging from the above cases, we arc
inclined to say that the aforesaid statement of law in Calvin v. Cmr, stated C
with reference to Vasudevan Pillai, is the appropriate one to adopt as a
general rule - and we are supported by the decisions of this Court in saying
so. We must, however, forewarn that decisions on the applicability of the
principles of natural justice by this Court are legion. It is neither possible
nor necessary to refer to all of them, particularly in view of the recent D
Constitution Bench judgments. We will refer only to a few of them to
explain our view point.

In State of Uttar Pradesh v. Mohd. Nooh, (1958] S.C.R. 595, S.R. Das,
CJ., speaking for the Constitution Bench, had this to say :

11
E
If an inferior court or tribunal of first instance acts wholly without
jurisdiction or patently in excess of jurisdiction or manifestly con-
ducts the proceedings before it in a tnanner which is contrary to
the rules of natural justice and all accepted rules of procedure and
111hich offends the Sllj)elior co1ut's sense of fair play, the superior
court may, we think, quite properly exercise its power to issue the F
prerogative writ of certiorari to correct the error of the court or
tribunal of first instance, even if an appeal to another inferior court
or tribunal was available and recourse was not had to it or if
recourse was had to it, it confirmed what ex-facie was a nullity for
reasons aforementioned." G
In Janakinath Sarangi v. State of Orissa, (1969] 3 S.C.C. 392,
Hidayatullah, CJ. (speaking for the Bench comprising himself and G.K.
Mitter, J.) made the following pertinent observaiions:

11
Fron1 this material it is argued that the principles of natural justice H
994 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1996] 3 S.C.R.

A were violated because the right of the appellant to have his own
evidence recorded was denied lo him and further that the material
which was gathered behind his back was used in determining his
guilt. In support of these contentions a number of rulings are cited
chief among which arc State of Bombay v. Nam! Latif Khan, {1965)
3 SCR 135; State of Uttar Pradesh & Another v. Sri C.S. Sha1111a,
B
[1967] 3 SCR 848 and Union of India v. T.R. Vanna, (1958] SCR
499. There is no doubt that if the principles of natural justice are
violated and there is a gross case this Court would interfere by
striking down the order of dismissal; but there are cases and cases.
We have to took lo what actual prejudice has been caused to a pe1wn
c by the supposed denial lo him of a pmticular light .......................... .
Anyway the questions which were put to the witnesses were
recorded and sent to the Chief Engineer and his replies were
received. No doubt the replies were not put in the hands of the
appellant but he saw them at the time when he was making the
representation and curiously enough he used those replies in his
D
defence. In other words, they were not collected behind his back
and could be used to his advantage and he had an opportunity of
so using them in his defence. We do not think that any prejudice
was caused to the appellant in his case by not examining the two
retired Superintending Engineers whom he had cited or any one
E of them. 11

(Emphasis added)

Pausing here, we may notice two decisions of this Court where the
F test of prejudice was rejected, viz., Chintapalli Agency T.A.S.C.S. Limited
v. Secretaiy (F&A) Govemment of Andhra Pradesh, (1977) AIR SC 2313
and S.L. Kapoor v. Jagmohan, [1981] 1 S.C.R. 746 both rendered by
three-Judge Benches. But if one notices the facts of those cases, it would
be evident that they were cases of total absence of notice as in the case of
Ridge v. Baldwin. In the former case, the Government allowed revision filed
G under Section 77 of the Andhra Pradesh Cooperative Societies Act, 1964
without notice to the opposite party, inspite of a request therefor. Para-9
brings out the factual position and Para-11 the legal proposition. They read
thus :

H "On the very day, viz., 6th October, 1976 when the respondents
STATE BANK OF PATIALAv. S.K. SHARMA [JEEVAN REDDY, J.] 995

filed their revision before the Government, the appellant tiled an A
application to the Government disputing the claim of the village
societies. The appellant also filed before the Government a similar
application on 28th October, 1976. On 5th November, 1976, the
appellant prayed to the Government for an opportunity lo file
counter in the revision petition filed by the respondents. The
Government, however, without any notice to the appellant, passed
B
final orders on 4th December 1976, allowing the two review peti-
tions filed by the village societies and set aside the order of the
Registrar dated 10th December, 1975 ................ .
Jr
. " The short question that arises for decision is whether the order C
of the ·Government in revision which was passed under section 77
of the Act is invalid for non-compliance with section 77(2) which
provides that no order prejudicial to any person shall be passed
under sub-section (1) unless such person has been given an op-
portunity of making his representation. It is submitted that the D
Government did not afford any opportunity to the appellant for
making representation before it. The High Court rejected this plea
on the ground that from a perusal of the voluntary applications
filed by the appellant it was clear that the appellant had anyhow
met with the points· urged by the respondents in their revision
petition before the Government. We are, however, unable to ac- E
cept the view of the High Court as correct.''

Similarly, S.L. Kapoor's case was one where a Municipal Committee
was superseded even without a notice to the Committee, again a case like
Ridge v. Baldwin. After referring to certain Engli!'lh and Indian decisions) F
Chinnappa Reddy, J. made the following observations :

"In our view the principles of natural justice know of no exclusion-
ary rule dependent on whether it would have made any difference
if natural justice had been observed. The non-observance of natural
justice is itself prejudice to any man and proof of prejudice G
independently of proof of denial of natural justice is unnecessary.
It will come from a person who has denied justice ihat the person
who has been denied justice is not prejudiced. As we said earlier
where on the admitted or indisputable facts only one conclusion
is possible and under the law only one penalty is permissible, the H
I~
996 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1996] 3 S.C.R.

A Court may not issue its writ to cotnpcl the observance of natural
justice, not because it is not necessary to observe natural justice
but because Courts do not issue futile writs. We do not agree with
the contrary view taken by the Delhi High Court in the judgment
11
under appeal.

B The observations made in 5. L. Kapoor have lu be understood in the context
of the facts of that case - and, of course, subject to the dicta of the
Constitution Bench referred lo hereinafter.

In Hira11ath Misra v. Rajendra Medical College, [1973] 1 S.C.C. 805,
c not to vitiate the order made. It was a case where certain male students
the denial of opportunity to cross-examine the material witnesses was held

entered a girls' hostel during the night and misbehaved with the girls. The
committee appointed to enquire into the mailer recorded the statements
of girls in camera and used them (on the question of identity of miscreants)
against the appellants without allowing them to cross-examine the girls on
D the ground that such a course would reveal the identity of the girls and
would expose them to further indignities and also because the enquiry was
held by a committee of responsible persons.

In KL. Tripathi v. State Bank of India & 01:1'., [1984] 1 S.C.C. 43,
Sabyasaehi Mukharji, J., speaking for a three-Judge Bench, considered the
E
question whether violation of each and every facet of principles of natural
justice has the effect of vitiating the enquiry. The learned Judge observed:

"The basic concept is fair play in action administrative, judicial or
quasi-judicial. The concept of fair play in action must depend upon
F the particular !is, if there be any, between the parties. If the
credibility of a person who has testified or given some information
is in doubt, or if the version or the statement of the person who
has testified, is, in dispute, right of cross-examination n1ust in-
evitable form part of fair play in action but where there is no !is
regarding the facts but certain explanation of the circumstances
G there is no requirement of cross-examination to be fulfilled to
justify fair play in action. When on the question of facts there was
no dispute, no real prejudice has been caused to a party aggrieved
by an order, by absence of any formal opportunity of cross-
examination per se does not invalidate or vitiate the decision
H arrived at fairly. This is more so when the party against whom an
STATE BANK OF PATIALAv. S.K. SHARMA [JEEVAN REDDY, J.] 997

order has been passed docs not dispute the facts and docs not A
demand to tesl the veracity of the version of lhc credihility of the
slalcn1ent.

The party who docs nol wanl lo controvert the veracity of the
evidence from or testimony gathered behind his back cannot expect
to succeed in any subsequent demand that there was no oppor- B
tunity of cross-examination specially when it was not asked for and
there was no dispute about the veracity of the statements. Where
there is no dispute as to lhc facts, or the weight to be attached on
disputed facts but only an explanation to the acts, absence of
·c. opport1Jnity to cross-examination <loes not create any prejudice in
·' · such cases.
c
The principles of natural justice will, therefore, depend upon
the facts and circumstances of each particular case. We have set
out hcreinbefore the actual facts and circumstances of the case.
The appellant was associated with the preliminary investigation D
that was conducted against him. He does not deny or dispute lhat.
Information and materials undoubtedly were gathered not in his
presense but whatever information was there and gathered namely,
the versions of the persons, the particular entries which required
examination were shown to him. He was convey~<l the information·
given and his explanation was asked for. He participated in that E
investigation. He gave his explanation but he did not dispute any
of the facts nor did he ask for any opportunity to call any evidence
to rebut these facts."

It was accordingly held that lhe enquiry held and the punishment imposed
cannot be said to have been vitiated on account of an opportunity to F
cross-cxan1ine certain witnesses not having been afforded to him.*

In Managing Director, E.C.J.L. v. B. Kanmakar, [1993] 4 S.C.C. 727,
a Constitution Bench did take the view that before an employee is punished
in a disciplinary enquiry, a copy of the enquiry report should be furnished G
to him (i.e., wherever an enquiry officer is appointed and he submits a
report to the Disciplinary Authority). It was held that not furnishing the
report amount to denial of natural justice. At the same time, it was held
that just. hccausc it is shown that a copy of the enquiry officer's report is
The vcty same test is applied by a three-Judge Bench in Sunil Kumar Bane1:iee v. State
of West Bengal & On:, f1980} 3 S.C.R. 179. H
I
I'-

998 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1996] 3 S.C.. R.

A not furnished, the punishment ought not be set aside as a matter of course.
It was directed that in such cases, a copy of the report should be furnished
lo the delinquent officer and his comments obtained in that behalf and that
the court should interfere with the punishment order only if it is satisfied
that there has been a failure of justice. The following paragraph (applicable
in cases where the order of punishment is subsequent to November 20,
B 1990, the date of judgment in U11io11 of !11dia v. Mohd. Ramzan Khan, [1991]
S.C.C. 588 is apposite :
11
Hence, in all cases where the enquiry officer's report is not
furnished to the delinquent employee in the disciplinary proceed-
ings, the Courts and Tribunals should cause the copy of the report
c to be furnished to the aggrieved employee if he has not already ....·"'
'

secured .it before coming to the court!Tribunal and give the
employee an opportunity to show how his or her case was
prejudiced because of the non- supply of the report. If after heaiing
the pa1ties, the Cozut/Tribunal con1es to the conclusion that the
D non-supply of the rep01t would have made no difference to the
ultimate findings a11d the punishment given, the Coun/T1ibunal
should not inte1fere with the order of punislz111ent. The
Court/Tlibunal should not mechanically set aside the order of
punislznient on the ground that the repo1t was not ftunished as is
regrettably bei11g done at present. The court should avoid resorting
E to short cuts. Since it is the Courts!Tribunals which will apply their
judicial mind to the question and give their reasons for setting
aside or not setting aside the order of punishment, (and not any
internal appellate or revisional authority), there would be neither
a breach of the principles of natural justice nor a denial of the
reasonable opportunity. It is only if the Cowt/T1ibwwl finds that
F tile funiishing of the re1101t would /rave n1ade u difference lo the result
in the case that it should set aside the order of punislunent. Where
after following the above procedure, the Court!Tribunal sets aside
the order of punishment, the proper relief that should be granted
is to direct reinstatement of the employee with liberty to the
authority/management to proceed with the inquiry, by placing the
G
employee under suspension and continuing the inquiry from the
stage of furnishing him \vith the report****."

(Emphasis added)
**** The decision in State of OriJsa v. Dr. JJinapani Devi. [1967) 2 S.C.R. 625, it is obvious,
H has to be read subject to this decision.
_.',f

STATE BANK OF PATIALAv. S.K.SHARMA [JEEVAN REDDY, J.] 999

To the same effect is the decision of another Constitution Bench in A
CB. Gautam v. Union of India & 01:1·., (1993] l S.C.C. 78, a case arising
under Chapter XX-C of the Income Tax Act. At Pages 1!0-111, the
following observations are relevant :

"This brings us to the question of relief. We find that the order of
compulsory purchase under Section 269-UD(l) of the Income Tax B
Act which was served on the petitioner in. the night of December
15, 1986, has been made without any show-cause notice being se(ved
on the petitioner and without the petitioner or other affected
parties having been given any opportunity to show cause against
. ,.. an order of compulsory purchase nor were the reasons for the said C
. '· order set out in the order or communicated to the petitilmer or
other concerned parties with the order. In view of what we have
stated earlier the order is clearly bad in law and is s.et aside."

Even so, this Court did not set aside the order of compulsory
purchase but devised an appropriate procedure so that the "laudable D
object" underlying Chapter XX-C is not defeated and at the same time the
persons affected get an opportunity to put forward their case against the
proposed acquisition.

The decisions cited above make one thing clear, viz., principles of
natural justice cannot be to reduced to any hard and fast formula. As said E
in Russell v. Duke of Norfolk, [1949] All. E.R. 109 way back in 1949, these
principles cannot be put in a straight-jacket. Their applicability depends
upon the context and the facts and circumstances of each case. (See
Ma/zender Singh Gill v. Chief Election Commissioner, (1978] 2 S.C.R. 272.
The ob.iective is to ensure a fair hearing, a fair deal, to the person \Vhosc
rights are going to be affected. (See A.K. Roy v. Union of India , f 1982J 1 F
S.C.C. 271 and Swadeshi Cotton Mi/fr v. Union of India, (1981] l S.C.C.
664. As pointed out by this Court in A.K. Kraipak & Ors. v. Union of India
& Ors., (1969] 2 S.C.C. 262, the dividing line between quasi-judicial function
and administrative function (affecting the rights of a party) has become
quite thin and almost indistinguishable - a fact also emphasised by House G
of Lords in CC.CU. v. Civil Services Union (supra) where the principles
of natural justice and a fair hearing were treated as synonymous.
Whichever the case, it is from the standpoint of fair hearing - applying the
test of prejudice, as it may be called - that any and every complaint of
violation of the rule of auth· alteranz parten1 .should be examined. Indeed,
there may be situations where observance of the requirement of prior H
1000 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1996] 3 S.C.R.

A notice/hearing may defeat the very proceeding - which may result in grave
prejudice to public interest. It is for this reason that the rule of post-
tlecisional hearing as a sufficient compliance with natural justice was
evolved in some of the cases, e.g., Libelty Oil Mills v. Union of India, [1984]
3 S.C.C. 465. There may also be cases where the public interest or the
interests of the security of State or other similar considerations n1ay 1nake
B it inadvisable to observe the rule of au di a/teram pa11Cm altogether ras in
the case of situations contemplated by clauses (b) and (c) or the proviso
to Article 311(2)] or to disclose the material on which a particular action
is being taken. There may indeed be any number of varying situations which
it is not possible for anyone to foresee. In our respectful opinion, the
c terms in .relation to the disciplinary orders and enquiries: a distinction
principles emerging from the decided cases can be stated in the following

ought to be made between violation of the principle of natural justice, audi
alteranr partem, as such and violation of the facet of the said principle. In
other words, distinction is bct\veen 11 no notice 11 / 11 no hearing11 and '1no ade-
quate hearing1' or to put it in different words, 11 no opportunity11 and 11 no
D adequate opportunity". To illustrate - take a case where the person is
dismissed from service without hearing him altogether [as in Ridge v.
Buie/win]. It would be a case falling under the first category and the order
of dismissal would be invalid - or void, if one chooses to use that expression
(Calvin v. Carr). But where the person is dismissed from service, say,
without supplying him a copy of the enquiry officer's report (Managing
E Direct01; E.C.I.L. v. B. Kmwrakar) or without affording him a due oppor-
tunity of cross-examining a witness (KL. Tripathi) it would be a case falling
in the latter category - violation of a facet of the said rule of natural justice
- in which case, the validity of the order has to be tested on the touch-stone
of prejudice, i.e., whether, all in all, the person concerned did nor did not
F have a fair hearing. ll would noL be correct - in the light of the ahovc
decisions to say that for any an<l every violation of a facet of n<:ttural justice
or of a rule incorporating such facet, the order passed is altogether void
and ought to be set aside without further enquiry. In our opinion, the
approach and test adopted in B. Kamnakar should govern all cases where
the con1plaint is not that there was no hearing (no notice, no oppor~unity
G and no hearing) but one of not affording a p!Vper hewing (i.e., adequate
,or a full hearing) or of violation of a procedural rule or requirement
governing the enquiry; the complaint should be examined on the touch-
stone of prejudice as aforesaid.

H The matter can be looked at from the angle of justice or of natural
•J

STATE BANK OF PATIALAv. S.K. SHARMA [.IEEVAN REDDY, J.)1001

justice also. The object of the principles of natural justice - which are now A
understood as synonymous with the obligation to provide a fair hear-
...., ing* * *** - is to ensure that _justice is done, that there is no failure of .iusticc
and that every person whose rights arc going to be affected by the proposed
action gets a fair hearing. The said objective can be tested with reference B
to sub-clause (iii) concerned herein. It says that copies of statements of
witnesses should be furnished to the delinquent officer "not later than three
days before the commencement of the examination of the witnesses by the
inquiring Authority". Now take a case - not the one before us - where the C
copies of statements are supplied only two days before the commencement
of examination of witnesses instead of three days. The delinquent officer
·j'. does not object; he does not say that two days are not sufficient for him
to prepare himself for cross-examining the witnesses. The enquiry is con- D
eluded and he is punished. Is the enquiry and the punishment awarded to
be set aside on the only ground that instead of three days before, the
statements were supplied only two days before the commencement of the
examination of witnesses? It is suggested by the Appellate Court that E
sub-clause (iii) is mandatory since it uses the expression "shall". Merely
because, word nshalr is used, it is not possible to agree that it is n1andatory.
1

We shall, however, assume it to be so for the purpose of this discussion.
But then even a mandatory requirement can be waived by the person
F
concerned if such mandatory provision is conceived in his interest and not
in public interest, vide Dlzirendra Nath Gorai v. Sudlzir Chandra Ghosh &
Ors., [1964] 6 S.C.R. 1001. Subba Rao, J., speaking for the Court, held :

"Where the court acts without inherent jurisdiction, a party af- G
fected cannot by waiver confer jurisdiction on it, which it has not.
Where such jurisdiction is not wanting, a directory provision can
obviously be \Vaivcd. But a mandatory provision can only be \Vaive<l
if it is not conceived in the public interests, but in the interests of H
the party that waives it. In the present case the executing court
had inherent jurisdiction to sell the property. We have assumed
that s.35 of the Act is a mandatory provision. If so, the question
is \Vhether the said provision is conceived in the interests of the
public or in the interests of the person affected by the non-obser-

***"'*See the discussion of the is aspect <it Page 515 of Wade: Ad1ninistnitive Law (Seventh
Edition). In panicular. he refers to the speech of Lord Scarman in C.C.S.U. v. Minister
for the Ch'il Seivice. Jl985[ A.C. 374 at 407 where he used both these concepts as
signifying the same thing.
,
I'-

1002 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1996] 3 S.C.R.

A vance of the provision. It is true that many provisions of the Act
were conceived in the interests of the public, but the same cannot
he said of s.35 of the Act, which is really intended lo protect the
interests of a judgment-debtor and to see that a larger ext~nt of
his property then is necessary to discharge the debt is not sold.
Many situations may be visualized when the _judgment-debtor does
B not seek to take advantage of the benefit conferred on him under
s.35 of the Act."

The principle of the above decision was applied by this Court in
Krishan Lal v. State of Jammu & Kashmir, [1994] 4 S.C.C. 422 in the case
C of an express statutory provision governing a disciplinary enquiry. It was a
case where the employee was dismissed without supplying him a copy of
..
,.I.

the enquiry officer's report as required by Section 17(5) of the Jammu and
Kashmir (Government Servants) Prevention of Corruption Act, 1962. This
provision was treated as mandatory. The question was how should the said
D complaint be dealt with. This Court held:

"Let it now be seen whether the requirement of giving copy of the
proceeding of the inquiry mandated by Section 17(5) of the Act is
one which is for the benefit of the individual concerned or serves
a public purpose. If it be former, it is apparent, in view of the
E aforesaid legal position, that the same can be waived; If it be latter,
it cannot be. Though Shri Mehta has urged that this requirement
serves a public purpose, we do not agree. According to us, the
requirement is for the benefit of the person concerned which is to
enable him to know as to what had taken place during the course
of the proceedings so that he is helter situated to show his cause
F
as to why the proposed penalty should not be imposed. Such a
requirement cannot be said to be rclatable lo public policy or one
concerned with public interest, or to serve a public purpose.

We, therefore, hold that the requirement mentioned in Section
G 17(5) of the Act despite being mandatory is one which can be
waiVed. If, however, the requirement has not been waived any act
or action in violation of the same would be a nullity. In the present
case as the appellant had far from waiving the benefit, asked for
the copy of the proceeding despite which the same was not made
H available, it has lo be held that the order of dismissal was invalid
STATE BANK OF PATIALAv. S.K. SHARMA [JEEVAN REDDY.J.p.003

in law. A
The aforesaid, however, is not sufficient to demand setting
aside of the dismissal order in this proceeding it self because what
has been stated in ECIL case, [1993] 4 SCC 727 in this context
would nonetheless apply. This is for the reason that violation of
natural justice which was dealt with in that case, also renders an B
order invalid despite which the Constitution Bench did not con-
cede that the order of dismissal passed without furnishing copy of
the inquiry officer's report would be enough to set aside the order.
Instead, it directed the matter to be examined as stated in para-
graph 31 .... C
According to us, therefore, the legal and proper order to be
passed in the present case also, despite a mandatory provision
having been violated, is to require the employer to furnish a copy
of the proceeding and to call upon the High Court to decide
thereafter as to whether non-furnishing of the copy prejudiced the D
appellant/petitioner and the same has made difference to the
ultimate finding and punishment given. If this question would be
answered in affirmative, the High Court would set aside the dis-
missal order by granting such consequential reliefs as deemed just
and proper." E
Sub-clause (iii) is, without a doubt, conceived in the interest of the
delinquent officer and hence, he could waive it. From his conduct, the
respondent must be deemed to have waived it. This is an aspect which must
be borne in mind while examining a compJaint or non-observance of
procedural rules governing such enquiries. It is trite to ren1ember that, as F
"( a rule, all such procedural rules are designed to afford a full and proper
opportunity to be delinquent officer/employee to defend himself and are,
therefore, conceived in his interest. Hence, whether mandatory or direc-
tory, they would normally be conceived in his interest only.

Now, coming back to the illustration given by us in the preceding G
paragraph, would setting aside the punishment and the entire enquiry on
the ground of aforesaid violation of sub-clause (iii) be in the interests of
justice or would it be its negation? In our respectful opinion, it would be
the latter. Justice means justice between both the parties. The interests of
justice equally demand that the guilty should be punished and that tech- H
I ~

1004 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1996] 3 S.C.R.

A nicalitics and irregularities which do not occasion failure of justice are nol
allowed lo defeat lhe ends of justice. Principles of natural justice are but
lhe means lo achieve the ends of .iustice. They cannot be perverted lo
achieve the very opposite end. That would be a counter-productive exer-
cise.

B We may su1n1narise the principles emerging from the above discus~
sion. (These are by no means intended to be exhaustive and are evolved
keeping in view the context of disciplinary enquiries and orders of punish-
ment imposed by an employer upon the employee) :

An order passed imposing a punishment on an employee conse-
c quent (1)upon a disciplinary/deparlmenlal enquiry in violation of the
..'·
rules/regulations/statutory provisions governing such enquiries should not
be set aside automatically. The Court or the Tribunal should enquire
whether (a) the provision violated is of a substantive nature of (b) whether
it is procedural in character.
D
(2) A substantive provision has nomwlly to be complied with as
explained bereinbefore and the theory of substantial compliance or the test
of prejudice would not be applicable in such a case.

(3) In the case of violation of a procedural provision, the position is
E this : Procedural provisions are generally meant for affording a reasonable
and adequate opportunity to the delinquent officer/employee. They are,
generally speaking, conceived in his interest. Violation of any and every
procedural provision cannot be said to automatically vitiate the enquiry
held or order passed" Except cases falling under 'no notice', 'no
F opportunity' and 'no hearing' categories, the con1plaint of violation of
·procedural provision should be examined from the point of view of
prejudice, viz., whether such violation has prejudiced the delinquent of-
ficer/employee in defending himself properly and effectively. If it is found
that he has been so prejudiced, appropriate orders have to be made to
repair and remedy the prejudice including setting aside the enquiry and/or
G the order of punishment. If no prejudice in established to have resulted
therefrom, it i.s obvious, no interference is called for. (n this connection, it
may be remembered that there may be certain procedural provisions which
are of a fundamental character, whose violation is by itself proof of
prejudice. The Court may not insist on proof of prejudice in such cases.
H As explained in the body of the judgment, take a case where there is a
STATE BANKO!' PATIALAv. S.K.SHARMA[JEEVAN REDDY, J.]1005

ptovision expressly providing that after the evidence of the A
employer/government is over, the employee shall be given an opportunity
to lead defence in his evidence and in a given case, the enquiry officer does
not give that opportunity inspile of the delinquent officer/employee asking
for it. The prejudice is self- evident. No proof of prejudice as such need
be called for in such a case. To report, the test is one of prejudice, i.e.,
whether the person has received a fair hearing considering all things. Now,
B
this very aspect can also be looked at from the point of view of directory
and mandatory provisions, if one is so inclineJ. The principle stated under
( 4) hercinbelow is only another way of looking at the same aspect as is
dealt with herein and not a different or distinct principle.
c
(4)(a) In the case of a procedural provision which is not of a
mandatory character, the complaint of violation has to be examined from
the standpoint of substantial compliance. Be that as it may, the order
passed in violation of such a provision can be set aside only where such
violation has occasioned prejudice lo the delinquent employee.
D
(b) In the case of violation of a procedural provision, which is of a
mandatory character, it has to be ascertained whether the provision is
conceived in the interest of the person proceeded against or in public
interest. If it is found to be the former, then it must be seen whether the
delinquent officer has waived t'ie said requirement, either expressly or by E
his conduct. If he is found to have waived it, then the order of punishment
cannot be set aside on the ground of said violation. If, on the other hand,
it is found that the delinquent officer/employee has not it or that the
provision could nol be waived by him, then the Court on Tribunal should
niake appropriate directions (include the setting aside of the order of F
,,. punishment) keeping in mind the approach adopted by the Constitution
Bench in B. Kanuiakar. The ultimate test is ahvays the same, viz., test of
prejudice or the lest of fair hearing, as it may be called.

(5) Where the enquiry is not governed by any rules/regula-
tions/statutory provisions and the only obligation is to observe the prin- G
ciples of natural justice - or, for that matter, wherever such principles are
held to be implied by the very nature and impact of the order/action - the
Court or the Tribunal should make a distinction between a total violation
of natural justice (m/e of au di alleram pwtem) and violation of a facet of
the said rule, as explained in the body of the judgme~t. In other words, a H
1006 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [19%] 3 S.C.R.

A distinction must be made between "no opportunity" and no adequate op-
11
portunity, i.e., between "no notice"/no hearing and nno fair hearing". (a) In
the case of former, the order passed would undoubtedly be invalid (one
may call it "void" or a nullity if one chooses to). In such cases, normally,
liberty will be reserved for the Authority to take proceedings afresh ac-
cording to law, i.e., in accordance with the said rule (audi alteram pa1tcm).
B (b) But in the latter case, the effect of violation (of a facet of the rule audi
a/teram pa1tem) has to be examined from the standpoint of prejudice; in
other words, what the Court or Tribunal has to see is whether in the totality
of the circumstances, the delinquent officer/employee did or did not have
a fair hearing and the orders to be made shall depend upon the answer to ~.
c the said query. (It is made clear that this principle (No.5) does not apply •
in the case of rule against bias, the test in which behalf are laid down
elsewhere.

(6) While applying the rule of audi a/teram pa1tem (the primary
D principle of natural justice) the Court/Tribunal/Authority must always bear
in mind the ultimate and over-riding objective underlying the said rule, viz.,
to ensure a fair hearing and to ensure that there is no failure of jusLice. It
is this objective which should guide them in applying the rule to varying
situations \bat arises before them. ~

E (7) There may be situations where the interests of state or public
interest may call for a curtailing of the rule of audi alteram partem. In such
situations, the Court may have to balance public/State interest with the
requirement of natural justice and arrive al an appropriate decision.

F Nov~1 , in which of the above principles does nol violation of sub-
clause (iii) concerned herein fall? In our opinion, it falls under Principles
No. 3 and 4(a) mentioned above. Though the copies of the statements of
two witnesses (Kaur Singh, Patwari and Balwant Singh) were not fur-
nished, the respondent was permitted to peruse them and take notes
therefrom more than three days prior to their examination. Of the two
G witnesses, Balwant Singh was not examined and only Kaur Singh was
examined. The respondent did not raise any objection during the enquiry
that the non-furnishing of the copies of the statements is disabling him or
has disabled him, as the case may be, from effectively cross-examining the
witnesses or to defend himself. the Trial Court has not found that any
H prejudice has resulted from the said violation. The Appellate Court has no
STATE BANK OF PATIALAv. S.K. SHARMA [JEEVAN REDDY, J.)1007

doubt said that it has prejudiced the respondent's case but except merely, A
mentioning the same, it has not specified in what manner and in what sense
was the respondent pre.iudiced in his defence. The High Court, of course,
has not referred to the aspect or'prejudice at all.

For the above reasons, we hold th.at no prejudice has resulted to the
respondent on account of not furnishing him the copies of the statements B
of witnesses. We are satisfied that on account of the said violation, it cannot
be said that the respondent did not have a fair hearing or that tbe
disciplinary enquiry against him was not a fair enquiry. Accordingly, we
allow the appeal and set aside the judgment of the High Court affirming
the judgments of the Trial Court and appellate Court. The suit filed by the
respondent. shall stand dismissed. c
No costs.

v.s.s. Appeal allowed.

)