The Supreme Court in State Bank of India v. Ramadhar Sao (2025) reaffirmed that judicial review in disciplinary proceedings is limited to correcting legal or procedural errors, not re-evaluating evidence. Setting aside Patna High Court’s orders, the Court restored SBI’s penalty of removal with superannuation benefits, stressing that corruption cannot be excused even at lower levels of employment.

The judgment underscores the principles of procedural fairness, reinforcing the accountability of disciplinary authorities.

Supreme Court reaffirms procedural fairness: Evidence recording is mandatory in disciplinary inquiries involving major penalties.