Punitive Retrenchment Without Inquiry Violates Industrial Disputes Act : Himachal Pradesh High Court

The Himachal Pradesh High Court set aside the termination of a daily wage worker, ruling that dismissal for alleged misconduct without a proper departmental inquiry is illegal.

The Court emphasized that punitive termination cannot be disguised as retrenchment under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

The court noted that Ramesh Chand was not given an opportunity to defend himself and was acquitted in a criminal trial.

Citing Nar Singh Pal v. Union of India, it upheld the Labour Court’s ruling and dismissed the PWD’s petition.