Supreme Court Slams Air India’s ‘Hire and Fire’ Policy; Upholds Reinstatement of Terminated Employees

The Supreme Court refused to interfere with the 2019 Bombay High Court judgment that quashed Air India’s termination of a pilot and a cabin crew member, directing their reinstatement with 50% back wages.

The High Court had held that their dismissal under Standing Order 17, permitting termination without reasons, violated fundamental rights and was unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and A.G. Masih, after hearing both sides, dismissed Air India’s special leave petitions.

The High Court had described the rule as a “hire and fire” policy and allowed Air India to initiate disciplinary proceedings, holding that arbitrary termination violated principles of natural justice.