The Supreme Court of India has reinstated Rajasthan Judicial Services (RJS) officer Pinky Meena, overturning her 2020 dismissal by the Rajasthan High Court. A bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma allowed her appeal, setting aside the High Court's decision and ordering her reinstatement with notional pay fixation, though without back wages .

Ms. Meena was discharged from service over allegations of concealing her prior employment as a government teacher and simultaneously pursuing multiple academic degrees, including B.Ed., LL.B., and LL.M., which was deemed impermissible under the University of Rajasthan's Ordinances 168-A and 168-B . The Rajasthan High Court upheld her termination, citing deliberate suppression of material information during the RJS examination process .

The Supreme Court's decision to reinstate Ms. Meena underscores the importance of due process and the principle that probationary officers are entitled to fair consideration before termination. While the High Court viewed her dismissal as a "termination simpliciter," the Supreme Court found merit in her appeal, leading to her reinstatement .

This ruling highlights the judiciary's commitment to ensuring fairness and due process within its ranks. It also sets a precedent for handling similar cases involving allegations of misconduct and the rights of probationary officers.

Case details:-

SLP(C) No. 23529/2023

PINKY MEENA Versus THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE FOR RAJASTHAN AT JODHPUR AND ANR.

Judge did LLB-BEd together: dismissed by Raj. High Court