TAPAN DAS Vs. STATE OF TRIPURA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) ALL these petitions are being disposed of by one judgment since both the factual matrix as well as the legal questions involved are identical.

(2.) ALL the petitioners were appointed as Riflemen in Tripura State Rifles on 09.05.2001 and they were on probation for a period of three years from the date of appointment. During probation, the services of the petitioners were discharged on the ground that they were found not suitable for being retained in service. Relevant portion of the order of discharge in one of the cases reads as follows: -

(3.) IN the present case, we are of the considered view that the order of discharge on the face of it is punitive in nature and casts a stigma on the petitioners and, therefore, the same could not have been issued without giving reasonable opportunity to the petitioners to put forth their case, in accordance with the rules applicable to the Tripura State Rifles.