Legal Case Summary

Case Details
Case ID 51345532-2d2b-4046-a41f-72fd006f6c1c
Body View case body.
Case Number Civil Petitions Nos.204-L to 213-L of 2004
Decision Date Feb 18, 2004
Hearing Date
Decision The Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed the civil petitions filed by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), affirming the decision of the Federal Service Tribunal which had remanded the cases of Meter Readers back to the Authority for a fresh inquiry. The Court emphasized that the respondents had been condemned unheard and that the allegations of fake meter readings against them needed to be substantiated with evidence. The Court highlighted the necessity of providing an opportunity for a fair hearing and indicated that the mere allegations were insufficient for terminating the contracts of the respondents. Consequently, the Authority was directed to follow due process and conduct a proper inquiry into the allegations.
Summary This case revolves around the employment contracts of Meter Readers working with the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) who were accused of submitting fake meter readings. The Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled on multiple petitions regarding the validity of their contract terminations. The court underscored the importance of due process, stating that the respondents were entitled to a fair hearing before any adverse actions were taken against them. The judgment emphasized the necessity of evidence to support any claims made against the employees. This case highlights critical aspects of labor law, employee rights, and the importance of procedural fairness in administrative decisions. The ruling serves as a precedent for similar cases, reinforcing the principle that allegations alone cannot justify the termination of employment without proper inquiry and evidence. Keywords: employment law, procedural fairness, labor rights, administrative law, WAPDA.
Court Supreme Court of Pakistan
Entities Involved Water and Power Development Authority, , Meter Readers
Judges IFTIKHAR MUHAMMAD CHAUDHRY, MIAN MUHAMMAD AJMAL, KHALIL-UR-REHMAN RAMDAY
Lawyers Aurangzeb Mirza, Advocate Supreme Court, Mehmoodul Islam, Advocate-on-Record for Petitioners, Syed Aaqa Asif Jafri, Advocate Supreme Court, M.A. Qureshi, Advocate-on-Record for Respondents
Petitioners , WATER AND POWER DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY through Chairman, Lahore
Respondents 9 others, SHAUKAT FARHAN
Citations 2008 SLD 1868, 2008 SCMR 1490
Other Citations Not available
Laws Involved Water and Power Development Authority Employees (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 1978, Service Tribunals Act (LXX of 1973), Constitution of Pakistan (1973)
Sections R. 4, Ss.2-A & 4, Art.212(3)