Terminating Contractual Employee By Calling Her "Vulnerable" Without Inquiry is Stigmatic : J&K&L High Court

The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court quashed the termination of Dr. Shazia Salam, a contractual anaesthetist, who was labelled “vulnerable” and “unsuitable” without any prior inquiry or notice. 

Justice Sanjay Dhar ruled that such remarks are stigmatic and violate principles of natural justice, especially when they affect future employment prospects. 

While reinstatement wasn’t granted due to the scheme’s closure, the Court ordered payment of salary from July 2022 to February 2023, with 6% interest if delayed. The government must also pay one month’s salary in lieu of notice.

[Dr. Shazia Salam v. UT of J&K & Ors.]