Supreme Court Reinstates Scheduled Tribes Woman Judge Who Was Removed for Minor Irregularities

The Supreme Court has reinstated Pinky Meena, a Scheduled Tribe woman, as a civil judge after the Rajasthan High Court had discharged her from service during probation for not disclosing past government employment.

The court held that the discharge was a penalty imposed without giving her a chance to respond. The Court found the omissions minor and the punishment disproportionate.

The court ruled that the discharge order violated natural justice and was based on alleged misconduct, not unsuitability.

Setting aside the order, the Court directed her reinstatement with consequential benefits, though back wages were denied.