Crescent Dyes And Chemicals Ltd. vs Ram Naresh Tripathi on 16 December, 1992
"12. It is, therefore, clear from the above case law that the right
to be represented through counsel or agent can be restricted,
controlled or regulated by statute, rules, regulations or
Standing Orders. A delinquent has no right to be represented
through counsel or agent unless the law specifically confers
such a right. The requirement of the rule of natural justice
insofar as the delinquent's right of hearing is concerned, cannot
and does not extend to a right to be represented through
counsel or agent. In the instant case the delinquent's right to
representation was regulated by the Standing Orders which
permitted a clerk or a workman working with him in the same
LPA Nos. 603 & 321 of 2018 Page 9 of 14
department to represent him and this right stood expanded on
Sections 21 and 22(ii) permitting representation through an
officer, staff-member or a member of the Union, albeit on
being authorised by the State Government. The object and
purpose of such provisions is to ensure that the domestic
enquiry is completed with despatch and is not prolonged
endlessly. Secondly, when the person defending the delinquent
is from the department or establishment in which the
delinquent is working he would be well conversant with the
working of that department and the relevant rules and would,
therefore, be able to render satisfactory service to the
delinquent. Thirdly, not only would the entire proceedings be
completed quickly but also inexpensively. It is, therefore, not
correct to contend that the Standing Order or Section 22(ii) of
the Act conflicts with the principles of natural justice."