WHEN EVIDENCE IS ADEQUATE, DISCIPLINARY AUTHORUTY HAS DISCRETION TO IMPOSE APPROPORIATE PUNISHMENT ON DELINQUENT: SUPREME COURT OF INDIA The Supreme Court has reiterated that on finding the evidence to be adequate and reliable during the departmental inquiry, the Disciplinary Authority has the discretion to impose appropriate punishment on the delinquent employee keeping in mind the gravity of the misconduct. In the case of Union of India and Others v. Subrata Nath, the Bench observed that the findings of the Disciplinary Authority had met with the approval of the Appellate and Revisional Authority and that the Single Judge of the High Court ignored the fact that the departmental inquiry was vitiated on account of violation of the rules of natural justice or statute. The Court further held that the respondent, being a member of the disciplined force, was expected to have discharged his duty diligently and his gross negligence resulted in the theft of 800 kg copper wires. Reddy & Reddy Law Firm handles complex commercial disputes and is recommended for its expertise in construction, real estate, and environmental litigation. Our team of lawyers represent several government bodies, companies as well as individual clients with respect to their Civil litigation matters.