As per case facts, the Petitioner, an Assistant Teacher (Panchayat), suffered a prolonged illness from 2014-2019, leading to unauthorized absence. Despite submitting medical certificates and replies to show cause notices, ... her services were terminated in 2021 based on an inapplicable statutory framework and a General Body Meeting resolution, without a formal disciplinary inquiry. Her appeals to the Collector and Commissioner were dismissed. She appealed to the High Court, citing violations of natural justice and improper application of service rules. The question arose whether the termination satisfied the requirements of Rule 7 of the Chhattisgarh Panchayat (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1999, which mandates a formal inquiry for major penalties. Finally, the Court found the termination vitiated due to non-compliance with mandatory statutory procedure and violation of natural justice. The termination orders were set aside, and the Petitioner was ordered to be reinstated, allowing Respondents to proceed afresh with due process.