Varun Kumar v. the Appellate Authority, the Punjab State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited and Others
Case brief
What is this about?
Storage gain/loss norms for food grains; Government of India policy 22.10.2021 and letter 30.05.2022; ICAR-CIPHET formula; CAP storage of wheat; Rabi marketing season 2023-2024; Food Corporation of India objections to weight gain/shortage; recoveries and punishments of warehousing/procuring agency employees; retrospective versus prospective application of policy; discrimination and arbitrariness; charge sheets; modification/withdrawal of punishment; representation deadline 30.06.2025; no coercive steps; PUNSUP; MARKFED; PSWC; Punjab Agro Industries Corporation; Punjab & Haryana High Court 2025; service and disciplinary law.
What did the court decide?
All petitions disposed of with directions: employees whose charge sheets/punishments on storage gain/loss allegations have not attained finality (including writ petitioners before the Court) may file representations — only up to 30.06.2025 — objecting that the action is contrary to the Government of India policy dated 22.10.2021 read with letter dated 30.05.2022; the concerned agency must examine the grievance under that policy and pass a speaking order, withdrawing disciplinary proceedings or suitably modifying punishment where objections are meritorious; no coercive action till such decision, after which the agency may implement it. FCI's objections behind such charge sheets/punishments are likewise to be tested under the policy; FCI may seek remedy before the appropriate forum if its claims are rejected, and agencies rejecting FCI's deductions may claim the deducted amount in accordance with law. Pending writ petitions treated as pending disputes. Direct challenge to the validity of the policies treated as not pressed, with liberty to seek appropriate remedy if any ambiguity arises. Pending civil miscellaneous applications also disposed of.