DISTRICT PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR vs ABDUL KAREEM

The Supreme Court held that the termination of the respondent's services was illegal due to the absence of a disciplinary enquiry, violating principles of natural justice. The Court emphasized that the termination did not fall under the exceptions provided in Section 2(oo)(bb) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, which pertains to termination of temporary employees. The Court upheld the Labour Court's award for reinstatement with full back wages, while the High Court's reduction of back wages to 30% was also addressed, affirming the need for proper procedure in employment termination cases.