Case Note & Summary
The appellants, 16 individuals employed as Operators and Helpers in various sub-stations of a public sector undertaking (likely Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited or similar), filed a writ petition before a Single Judge of the High Court of Karnataka challenging their termination from service. The Single Judge declined to grant interim relief staying the termination. Aggrieved, the appellants preferred a writ appeal before the Division Bench. The Division Bench, after hearing the parties, found that the appellants had not made out a prima facie case for grant of interim relief. The court noted that the appellants were contractual employees and their engagement was subject to the terms of the contract. The balance of convenience was not in their favor, and no irreparable injury would be caused if interim relief was not granted. Consequently, the Division Bench dismissed the writ appeals, upholding the order of the Single Judge. The judgment does not provide detailed facts about the termination or the terms of employment, but the core issue was the refusal of interim relief pending final adjudication of the writ petition.
Headnote
A) Service Law - Interim Relief - Prima Facie Case - The appellants, contractual employees of a public sector undertaking, challenged their termination before a Single Judge who declined interim relief. In appeal, the Division Bench held that the appellants failed to establish a strong prima facie case or balance of convenience in their favor, and therefore no interference was warranted with the discretionary order of the Single Judge. (Paras 1-5)
Issue of Consideration
Whether the appellants were entitled to interim relief in the nature of stay of termination pending disposal of the writ petition.
Final Decision
The Division Bench dismissed the writ appeals, upholding the order of the Single Judge refusing interim relief.
Law Points
- Interim relief
- prima facie case
- balance of convenience
- irreparable injury
- writ appeal
- service law
- contractual employment
