M/S. NOVARTIS INDIA LIMITED vs SARABHJEET SINGH & ANR.

Judgment text excerpt

$~ * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI Reserved on: 18.02.2026 Date of decision: 04.05.2026 Uploaded on: 04.05.2026 + W.P.(C) 11095/2015 & CM APPL. 9194/2017 M/S. NOVARTIS INDIA LIMITED .....Petitioner Through: Mr. Manoj and Ms. Aparna Sinha, Advs. versus SARABHJEET SINGH & ANR. .....Respondents Through: Mr. Varun Chandiok, Ms. Riya Seth, Advs. for R-1 with R-1 in person. CORAM: HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE SHAIL JAIN JUDGMENT SHAIL JAIN, J. 1. The present petition, has been filed under Article 227 of the Constitution of India, by M/s Novartis India Limited (hereinafter referred to as the “Petitioner/Management”), assailing the Award dated 24.02.2015 passed by the learned Presiding Officer, Labour Court–XIX, Karkardooma Courts, Delhi (hereinafter referred to as the “Labour Court”) in LIR No. 547/2011. 2. By the impugned Award, the Labour Court has set aside the termination of services of Shri Sarabjeet Singh (hereinafter referred to as “Respondent /Workman”) and directed his reinstatement with continuity of service, along with consequential benefits and 25% back wages with effect from 11.01.2010. Signature Not Verified Signed By:KAPIL KUMAR Signing Date:04.05.2026 W.P.(C) 11095/2015 Page 1 of 27 16:48:29 BRIEF FACTS 3. The Respondent No.1/Workman, Shri Sarabjeet Singh, was appointed as a Medical Sales Representative (MSR) with M/s Sandoz (India) Limited, which subsequently became M/s Novartis India Limited , on 26.08.1985. He was initially appointed on probation and was thereafter confirmed in service as a permanent employee on 04.06.1986. The terms of appointment, inter alia, provided that his services were transferable to any establishment of the Management in India and that his employment could be terminated by either party upon one month’s notice or salary in lieu ther