Authority: Supreme Court of India, Civil Appellate Jurisdiction
Order Date: 18 August 2026
Case Overview
- Appellants: Rajiv Chandra Jha and other employees (appellants) who were appointed as Mobile Equipment Operators (MEO) and Heavy Vehicle Drivers (HVD) by Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL).
- Respondent: Steel Authority of India Ltd & Ors.
- Background: The appellants cleared written examinations, underwent training, and joined service. A complaint alleged that the appellants did not appear for the exam and that third parties had sat for it. SAIL’s Vigilance Department obtained specimen signatures, which were sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL). CFSL reported that the specimen signatures did not match those on the examination paper counterfoils, leading to a disciplinary charge‑sheet.
- The Inquiry Officer, after hearing the defence, concluded that the charges were not proved. The disciplinary authority disagreed, relied on the CFSL report, and terminated the appellants’ services.
- The appellants challenged the termination before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which upheld the disciplinary authority’s decision. The High Court affirmed the CAT order.
- The appellants filed Special Leave Petitions (SLP) before this Court (Civil Appeal No. /2026 @ SLP (C) No.21461/2023 and related diary numbers 48145/2023, 18540/2024, 18962/2024).
- The Court noted that the appellants were minimally educated, that no action was taken for three years after their appointment, and that the reliance on the CFSL report was questionable because signatures can vary over time and oral testimony placed the appellants in the examination hall.
- The Court also considered the delay in filing the appeals, condoning it on grounds of substantial justice, but limited relief for the delay‑affected appellants.
Final Outcome
- The Supreme Court allowed the appeals and set aside the impugned orders of the High Court, CAT, and disciplinary authority.
- All appellants are reinstated into service with continuity of service for promotion and retirement benefits; reinstatement must be effected within three months from the order date.
- Rajiv Chandra Jha (Civil Appeal @ SLP (C) No.21461/2023) is entitled to backwages at 25% of his salary, payable within three months.
- The other appellants are not entitled to backwages; the principle of “no work, no pay” applies to them.
- No order as to costs. All pending applications are consigned to the records.
Topics: Employment Law, Administrative Justice, Labour Dispute