As per case facts, a librarian was suspended after a news report, then reinstated with disciplinary action. Charges were proved, and removal was proposed but later converted to a lesser ... punishment on humanitarian grounds, contingent on rule relaxation and recovery of funds. The government rejected relaxation and upheld the removal. The applicant challenged this at the Tribunal, which set aside the removal and recovery, directing reconsideration for a lesser penalty. The petitioners appealed to the High Court, questioning the Tribunal's order, particularly as the applicant died during the appeal. The question arose whether the disciplinary action abated due to the applicant's death, given the proceedings had not reached logical finality. Finally, the High Court, citing precedents, ruled that the disciplinary action abated upon the applicant's death and ordered the release of all retiral benefits, including family pension and gratuity, to the legal representative within three months, dismissing the writ petition.