Preponderance of probability in departmental proceedings suffices to prove drunkenness without blood and urine tests.

The respondent, a Special Sub-Inspector of Police, appeared before the Judicial Magistrate, Thirukoilur on 25.11.2014 to give evidence in a criminal case.

The Magistrate observed the respondent was in a drunken state, shouting, and incoherent, and directed an immediate medical examination.

A Medical Officer issued a "Certificate of Drunkenness" based on the smell of alcohol, though blood and urine tests were not conducted.

Following a departmental enquiry under Rule 3(b) of the Tamil Nadu Police Subordinate Service Rules, the respondent was ordered into compulsory retirement.

On appeal, this was modified to a postponement of increments for three years.

The Writ Court subsequently set aside the punishment on the ground that blood and urine tests were missing.

The State filed this intra-court appeal.

The court primarily applied the principle of "preponderance of probabilities" as the standard of proof in departmental proceedings, distinguishing it from the "strict proof" or "beyond reasonable doubt" standard required in criminal trials.

The court relied on the Tamil Nadu Police Subordinate Service (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1955.

The court also emphasized the doctrine of judicial decorum and the duty of public servants to maintain "absolute integrity and devotion to duty" under service conduct rules.

The Court reasoned that unlike criminal cases, departmental actions do not require scientific certainty via blood or urine tests if other sufficient evidence exists.

The Medical Officer's certificate (Ex-P.6) and the fact that the misconduct occurred in the presence of a Judicial Magistrate provided a strong basis for the charges.

The Court noted that the respondent did not object to the medical examination at the time and that his behavior "totally degraded the image of the police force".

The Court held that misconduct within a Court Hall is intolerable and that the Writ Court erred by applying the strict evidentiary standards of criminal law to a disciplinary matter.

The High Court allowed the appeal and set aside the Writ Court's order, thereby restoring the modified punishment of postponement of increments.

The Court issued a mandatory direction to the Director General of Police to issue a Circular within four weeks requiring all police personnel to wear proper uniforms and maintain decorum while attending Court.