As per case facts, the 1st petitioner, a former Sub Registrar, faced disciplinary proceedings for alleged financial loss, initiated just before his retirement and leading to his dismissal. His appeal ... was rejected without proper review. His legal heirs filed a Writ Petition challenging the dismissal due to inordinate delays of over a decade in proceedings, lack of fair hearing, and non-application of mind. The charges were for officiating lapses, not moral turpitude, and much of the alleged loss was recovered. The question arose whether the dismissal order and disciplinary proceedings were valid given the extensive delay, procedural flaws, and the nature of the alleged misconduct. Finally, the High Court found the disciplinary process vitiated by unexplained delay and lack of independent judgment. Deeming the orders mala fide, the Court set aside the dismissal and directed disbursement of all retiral and family pension benefits to the legal heirs.