JUDICIAL OFFICER TERMINATION DURING PROBATION

by Nancy Sharma | Sep 16, 2024

ASPECTS	DETAILS
Case Title	Anantdeep Singh v. The High Court of Punjab & Haryana at Chandigarh & Anr.
Introduction	The case is about the judicial officer Anantdeep Singh challenging his termination during probation. His appeal seeks reinstatement with benefits.
Factual Background	Anantdeep Singh was terminated based on a complaint by his wife about an alleged illicit relationship with a lady judicial officer. His termination was recommended by the High Court’s Full Court and ratified by the State Government.
Legal Issues	Whether the termination during probation was justified. Whether the allegations against the appellant were sufficiently proven.
Applicable Law	Punjab Civil Services (General and Common Conditions of Service) Rules, 1994 regarding probation and termination of service during probation.
Analysis	The Supreme Court ordered that no independent inquiry or show-cause notice was issued, and evidence against the appellant was insufficient. The court criticized the failure of the Full Court to reconsider the matter impartially.
Conclusion	The court set aside the termination order, granting 50% back wages from the date of the original termination and full salary after the court’s decision in 2022 until the new termination order in 2024.
Current Scenario	The appellant has been advised to challenge the latest termination order before the High Court, with the Supreme Court reserving judgment on this issue.

CASE SUMMARY– In this case, Anantdeep Singh, a judicial officer, was terminated during his probation due to allegations of an illicit relationship with a lady judicial officer, raised by his wife. The High Court’s Full Court recommended termination, which was approved by the State Government. Singh appealed to the Supreme Court, which found procedural lapses in handling the case, such as the absence of an independent inquiry and insufficient evidence. The Supreme Court set aside the termination order, granted partial back wages, and advised Amardeep Singh to challenge the latest termination order. The matter is currently subject to further legal proceedings in the High Court.

SOURCE – SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

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Written By Nancy Sharma

I am Nancy Mahavir Sharma, a passionate legal writer and , a judicial service aspirant who is interested in legal researching and writing. I have completed Latin Legum Magister degree. I have been writing from past few years and I am excited to share my legal thoughts and opinions here. I believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference.