Power Finance Corporation Ltd. Vs.
Pramod Kumar Bhatia [1997] INSC 302 (17 March 1997)
K. RAMASWAMY, G.T. NANAVATI
ACT:
HEADNOTE:
O R D E R
Leave granted. We have heard learned counsel
on both sides.
This appeal by special leave arises from the
judgment of the division Bench of the Delhi High court, made on 1.11.1996 in
C.W. No. 2086/95.
The admitted position is that the respondent,
while working in the appellant corporation, had applied for voluntary
retirement, pursuant to the scheme framed by the Corporation to relieve the
surplus staff.
Initially, by proceedings dated December 20,
1994, the Corporation accepted his resignation subject to the clearance of the
outstanding dues. The acceptance was to be given effect from December 31,1994.
By letter dated January 6, 1995, he requested for deduction of a sum of Rs.37,521.20
out of the outstanding dues. He also requested thus:
"I once again request you that the
formal relieving order relieving me for me immediately. My service period for
which ex-gratia is payable be informed to me and my dues be paid
immediately." Based thereon, it is contended by Mr. P.P. Rao, learned
senior counsel for the appellant, that acceptance of the voluntary retirement
of the respondent was a conditional one He himself understood that unless he is
relieved of the duties after payment of outstanding dues, the voluntary
retirement does not become effective. In the meanwhile, realising the mistake
committed by the appellant for effecting the voluntary retirement scheme which
does not apply to the Corporation since there is no surplus staff, the
appellant withdrew the scheme. Therefore, there was neither the scheme nor a
concluded order of voluntary retirement of the respondent relieving him from
the duties.
The High Court, therefore, is not right in
holding that the order dated December 20,1994 created vested right in the
respondent and the same cannot be divested by subsequent orders.
Initially, Mr. A.K. Sikri appeared on behalf
of the respondent and argued the matter. Before the order could be dictated,
the respondent himself appeared and said that his counsel may be relieved and
he may be permitted him to argue the matter. Accordingly, we permitted him to
argue the matter. He stated that he was relieved from the duty on the basis of an
endorsement made on the letter dated December 20,1994 and what he meant by
writing the letter dated January 6,1995 was to seek a certificate for relieving
him from the duty. The acceptance of the voluntary retirement having become
effective from December 31, 1994, vested right had been created in him.
Therefore, the view of the High Court is in accordance with law.
Having regard to the respective contentions,
the question that arises for consideration is: whether the respondent acquired
a vested right after acceptance of the voluntary retirement by proceedings
dated December 20, 1994? It is seen that the order is a conditional order in
that until the dues are paid, the order does not become effective. The
respondent himself admitted that the outstanding dues could be adjusted from
the amount payable to him. Admittedly, no such adjustment has been made. He ,
therefore, rightly understood that unless he is relieved of the duties of the
post, after the payment of the outstanding dues, the order accepting his voluntary
retirement does not become effective.
It is now settled legal position that unless
the employee is relieved of the duty, after acceptance of the offer of
voluntary retirement or resignation, jural relationship of the employee and the
employer does not come to an end. since the order accepting the voluntary
retirement was a conditional one, the conditions ought to have been complied
with. Before the conditions could be complied with, the appellant withdrew the
scheme.
consequently, the order accepting voluntary
retirement did not become effective. Thereby no vested right has been created
in favour of the respondent. The High court, therefore, was not right in
holding that the respondent has acquired a vested right and, therefore, the
appellant has no right to withdraw the scheme subsequently.
The appeal is accordingly allowed. The
judgment of the High Court stands reversed. The writ petition stands dismissed.
No costs.
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