Ajay Kumar v. Punjab State Civil Supplies Corporation and Anr.
Case brief
What is this about?
Bunch of ~50 CWPs (2007-2025) before Punjab & Haryana HC (Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi, decided 14.05.2025): employees/unions of Punjab procuring agencies (PSWC, PUNSUP, Markfed, Pungrain, Punjab Agro, FCI-related) versus Union of India/FCI/agencies over weight gain/loss of stored foodgrains. Held: GOI policy/SOP dt 22.10.2021 (ICAR-CIPHET norms) and letter dt 30.05.2022 apply to all pending disputes as on issuance - employee disciplinary cases (charge sheets/punishments not final, incl. pending writs) and inter-agency (incl. FCI) weight objections; prospective cut-off discriminatory/arbitrary; representations till 30.06.2025; speaking orders; withdraw/modify punishments if meritorious; no coercive steps meanwhile; FCI objections re-examinable per policy, remedy available; policy challenge not pressed; petitions disposed.
What did the court decide?
Policy/SOP dated 22.10.2021 and letter dated 30.05.2022 directed to govern all pending weight gain/loss disputes, including pending disciplinary proceedings, charge sheets and punishments of employees and inter-agency (incl. FCI) objections; eligible employees to file representations by 30.06.2025; agencies to pass speaking orders and, if objections meritorious, withdraw proceedings or suitably modify punishments; no coercive action till decision; petitions disposed of in these terms.