In a landmark decision underscoring the sanctity of natural justice, the Supreme Court has ordered the restoration of the Registrar at the GB Pant Institute of Engineering and Technology, Ghurdauri, lambasting the termination of services without a disciplinary inquiry as a violation of fundamental principles.
The judiciary, composed of Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, asserted unequivocally that the termination sans due process was not only unjust but also a blatant disregard for legal requisites and principles of fairness. The High Court’s dismissal of the appellant’s writ petition on procedural technicalities further exacerbated the miscarriage of justice.
The appellant, in challenging the termination, rightly contended the absence of any disciplinary inquiry or opportunity for redressal prior to the termination, which was predicated solely on the unilateral assertion of respondent No. 2.
While the respondents sought solace in alleging the appellant’s purported lack of requisite qualifications, the court swiftly debunked this argument. It ruled decisively that the termination lacked the necessary precursor of due process, rendering it legally untenable.
Highlighting the terms of the appellant’s appointment letter, the court underscored the absence of any justifiable cause for termination, given the appellant’s satisfactory tenure spanning nearly two years.
The legal fraternity, represented by counsels Mr. Gautam Narayan, Ms. Asmita Singh, Mr. Harshit Goel, Mr. Sujay Jain, and Mr. K.V. Vibu Prasad, ardently championed the appellant’s cause. Conversely, the respondents, represented by Mr. Amit Anand Tiwari, Ms. Devyani Gupta, and Ms. Arjoo Rawat, failed to substantiate their stance against the tide of justice.
In delivering a resounding verdict, the court deemed the appellant’s termination unlawful, thereby decreeing their rightful reinstatement as Registrar, along with all attendant benefits.
The case of Sandeep Kumar vs. GB Pant Institute of Engineering and Technology Ghurdauri stands as a testament to the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to upholding fairness and justice in the face of procedural impropriety.
