Department’s Burden in Disciplinary Enquiry Limited to Proof on Preponderance of Probabilities

Airports Authority of India Vs Pradip Kumar Banerjee (Supreme Court of India) Supreme Court held that in disciplinary proceedings, the Disciplinary Authority is not required to be recorded detailed reasons in the order imposing punishment if he accepts the findings recorded by the Enquiry Officer. In a disciplinary enquiry, the burden upon the department is limited and it is required to prove its case on the principle of preponderance of probabilities. Facts- The respondent, while working with the appellant-Authority as an Assistant Engineer (Civil), was arrested along with a co-employee, who...