Supreme Court dismisses appeal challenging premature curtailment of ICAR scientist's five-year tenure as Assistant Director General.
Appellant claimed retaliation for whistleblowing on alleged Rs. 200 crore procurement irregularities in ICAR contracts.
Court finds tenure curtailment based on unsatisfactory performance reviews was administrative, not punitive or stigmatic.
Appellant was subsequently promoted to Principal Scientist in 2004 and received all retiral benefits upon superannuation.