JARNAIL SINGH vs STATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court held that the termination orders of ad hoc employees appointed under Article 311(2) of the Constitution were discriminatory and cast stigma on their service careers, violating Articles 14 and 16. The Court emphasized that the mere form of the termination order does not determine its nature; if it is punitive, it must be quashed. The Court allowed the appeals, directing that the appellants be deemed in service and the termination orders be set aside.