Supreme Court Grants Rs12L Compensation to Sumitra

Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: 17 September 2026

Case Overview

• Parties: Appellant Sumitra (individual) vs Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. & others (respondents).
• Origin: Recruitment for LPG bottling plant at Gudha village in 1988; 49 candidates recommended, 43 appointed, Sumitra excluded.
• Recruitment requisition allowed women; witness DW‑1 confirmed Sumitra met eligibility except gender.
• Lower courts: Trial court ruled in favour of Sumitra; First Appellate Court and High Court dismissed, holding no vested right.
• Issues: Whether exclusion solely on basis of sex violated law; whether compensation appropriate given lapse of 38 years and appellant’s age (≈63).

Final Outcome

• Supreme Court set aside the First Appellate Court judgment (06‑08‑1993) and High Court judgment (14‑10‑2025).
• Restored trial court finding that exclusion was due to gender.
• Declined appointment due to elapsed time, lack of sanctioned post, and appellant’s superannuation age.
• Directed Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. and its respondents to pay Sumitra Rs 12,00,000 as compensation in lieu of appointment, payable within eight weeks of the order.
• Stipulated interest at 6% per annum from the expiry of the eight‑week period until full payment is made.
• No order as to costs; pending applications disposed of.

Topics: Gender Discrimination, Compensation Order