As per case facts, the petitioner, a Shore Worker, was dismissed from service in 1998 following allegations of theft from 1994. Although acquitted in a criminal case, departmental proceedings led ... to his dismissal, which was upheld by the Industrial Tribunal. He appealed, arguing procedural flaws, including a four-year delay in initiating departmental proceedings and the late introduction of documents, which he contended prejudiced his defense. The question arose whether the departmental dismissal was justified given his criminal acquittal, the unexplained delay, and procedural irregularities. Finally, the court ruled that the criminal acquittal was substantive, highlighting weaknesses in proving ownership and source of the alleged stolen goods. The unexplained delay and late introduction of documents further undermined the fairness of the departmental enquiry. Consequently, the dismissal order and the Tribunal's awards were quashed, and the petitioner was granted full back wages and all consequential benefits until his superannuation.