HC reinstates anganwadi union president Hargobind Kaur, quashes dismissal over poll-duty allegations
PTC Web Desk: In a significant decision, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has set aside the dismissal order against Hargobind Kaur, president of the All Punjab Anganwadi Workers Union, and directed the state government to reinstate her with full back benefits.
Hargobind Kaur, who was posted as an anganwadi worker at Chak Kala Singh village of Sri Muktsar Sahib, had been suspended on June 19, 2024, on allegations that she participated in political activities during the model code of conduct enforced for the Lok Sabha Elections and had exceeded her sanctioned leave.
She was subsequently dismissed from service by the local Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), a decision that was later upheld when her departmental appeal was rejected on November 19, 2024.
Aggrieved by the rejection of her appeal, Hargobind Kaur moved the High Court challenging both orders.
Court finds procedural violation
Hearing the matter, Justice Sandeep Moudgil quashed both the original termination order dated June 19, 2024, and the subsequent order rejecting her appeal dated November 19, 2024. The bench observed that under the applicable departmental rules, a Child Development Project Officer does not possess the authority to directly terminate an anganwadi worker's services.
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Taking a firm view of the lapse, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Punjab Government to reinstate the petitioner in service and release all consequential benefits, including arrears, within eight weeks, along with 6% annual interest on the outstanding amount.
Notably, Hargobind Kaur has been a vocal critic within the department, repeatedly raising allegations of irregularities in her capacity as union president.
Reacting to the verdict, Hargobind Kaur thanked senior advocate RS Bains and advocate Lavneet Thakur, who represented her in the case, and welcomed the court's decision.
"This is not merely a case about restoring one job," she said. "The ruling reaffirms that administrative officers cannot act beyond the powers vested in them, and that due legal process must be followed in every action taken against an employee."
Senior office-bearers of the All Punjab Anganwadi Workers Union also welcomed the verdict.
- PTC NEWS
