Union Of India vs Sardar Bahadur on 29 October, 1971
The Supreme Court has held that in a disciplinary case the standard of proof required is that of preponderance of probability and not proof beyond reasonable doubt, [Union of India v. Sardar Bahadur, (1972) 4 SCC 618; (1972) 1 LLJ 1]. Therefore, it is perfectly in order for the IO to consider the charge as proved on preponderance of probability basis. Further, SW-5s deposition in Examination-in-chief is not considered fully reliable in view the factors discussed in comments to sub para (P) below.