Supreme Court Reinstates Registrar in Landmark Decision: Sandeep Kumar vs. GB Pant Institute of Engineering and Technology Ghurdauri
Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by News Desk
Introduction:
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court reinstated the Registrar at the GB Pant Institute of Engineering and Technology, Ghurdauri, emphasizing the importance of adhering to principles of natural justice. The decision stemmed from a case where the appellant, Sandeep Kumar, challenged his termination on grounds of procedural irregularities and lack of opportunity to defend himself.
Issue:
The central issue revolved around whether the termination of Sandeep Kumar’s services without conducting a disciplinary inquiry violated principles of natural justice.
Rule:
The Court reiterated that termination without affording an opportunity to show cause or conduct disciplinary proceedings contravenes principles of natural justice. It emphasized that even during probationary periods, employees are entitled to procedural fairness and cannot be terminated arbitrarily.
Analysis:
The Court examined the terms of Sandeep Kumar’s appointment, noting that he had satisfactorily completed his probationary period without any demerits. It observed that the termination lacked proper justification and disregarded the requirement for due process. The respondent’s contention regarding qualifications and suppression of information during suspension was dismissed, as it did not justify the absence of disciplinary proceedings.
Conclusion:
Consequently, the Court declared Sandeep Kumar’s termination illegal and ordered his reinstatement as Registrar with full benefits. The decision underscores the significance of procedural fairness in employment matters and serves as a reminder to employers to adhere to principles of natural justice.
In the case of Sandeep Kumar vs. GB Pant Institute of Engineering and Technology Ghurdauri, the Supreme Court’s ruling sets a precedent for upholding employee rights and ensuring fairness in termination procedures.
Written by — Athi Venkatesh AVD