Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 18-09-2026
Case Overview
- Petitioners: T.R. Srinath (Petitioner) vs. Karnataka State Agro Corn Products Limited (Respondent).
- Petitions: Special Leave to Appeal (C) Nos. 32030/2026, 32592/2026, and SLP(C) Nos. 33162‑33163/2026.
- Background: Petitioners were subject to disciplinary proceedings by the corporation for alleged loss, improper record‑keeping, and failure to maintain the required supply‑receipt ratio.
- The Single Judge of the High Court of Karnataka had ruled in favour of the petitioners, setting aside the disciplinary action and recovery direction.
- The Corporation appealed; the Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court found no procedural lapse, upheld the disciplinary action, and ordered payment of earned leave, gratuity, and statutory interest to the petitioners within six weeks, while preserving the corporation’s right to recover loss through civil proceedings.
- Petitioners challenged the Division Bench order, arguing the charges were vague and no specific loss was quantified.
- The Supreme Court examined the record, affirmed that the charges were specific and proved, and held that the Division Bench was justified in setting aside the Single Judge’s order.
Final Outcome
- The Supreme Court dismissed the special leave petitions, thereby upholding the Division Bench’s decision.
- It confirmed the validity of the disciplinary action against the petitioners.
- The Court reiterated the direction that Karnataka State Agro Corn Products Ltd must release earned leave, gratuity, and statutory interest to the petitioners within six weeks.
- It clarified that the corporation may pursue recovery of any loss through appropriate civil proceedings, and the petitioners will have the right to contest such proceedings on merits.
- All pending applications, if any, were also disposed of.
Topics: Disciplinary Action, Civil Recovery