As per case facts, the Petitioner, an Assistant Foreman, was exonerated by the Enquiry Officer, but the punishing authority (Superintending Engineer) imposed a pension cut post-retirement, without a dissent note ... or reasons. The punishment order was signed by a subordinate, and the appeal was dismissed by an Administrative Officer on behalf of the Chief Engineer, who was the same person as the initial punishing authority. The reason for the appeal to the High Court was that orders were passed by subordinate officers on behalf of competent authorities, and the same person acted as both punishing and appellate authority, violating natural justice. The question arose whether orders passed by subordinates with mere "approval" of competent authorities, or by the same person at different judicial stages, are legally valid. Finally, the High Court found these orders impermissible and a nullity, violating natural justice and Article 14 due to bias and lack of reasoned orders. The case was remanded for fresh proceedings with costs.