The onus of establishing an employee’s ‘Wilful’ absence from work is on the disciplinarian, according to the Allahabad High Court

July 20, 2023by Primelegal Team0

Title: Dr. S.C. Asthana vs. State Of U.P. Through Principal Secy. Medi.And Hel. And Another

Dated: 14th July, 2023

 

WRIT – A No. – 2000264 of 2000

CORAM: Hon’ble Irshad Ali,J.

 

Introduction.

 

According to the Allahabad High Court, it is the disciplinary authority’s responsibility to show that an unauthorised absence was “wilful” in departmental proceedings. Unauthorised absence does not constitute misconduct in the absence of such a determination.

 

Analysis.

 

The comment was made by the court as it was considering the appeal of a Medical Officer who was being disciplined for allegedly skipping work while on an overseas assignment in Nigeria.

 

The Court noted that because the petitioner’s overseas assignment term had been legalised on the one hand, and censure admission had been granted to him as a result of the disciplinary action on the other, the State had committed a legal error in doing so.

 

“PRIME LEGAL is a full-service law firm that has won a National Award and has more than 20 years of experience in an array of sectors and practice areas. Prime legal fall into a category of best law firm, best lawyer, best family lawyer, best divorce lawyer, best divorce law firm, best criminal lawyer, best criminal law firm, best consumer lawyer, best civil lawyer.”

 

Written by- Varada Hawaldar

click to view judgement

Primelegal Team

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *