Jammu & Kashmir High Court overturns bank manager's dismissal over hashtag probe
The Jammu & Kashmir High Court nullified the termination of a J&K Bank executive, ruling that the bank’s managing director lacked authority to fire without a proper investigation.
A single-judge bench of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court set aside the removal of Saadut Hussain Pampori, who rose from a computer engineer in 1995 to deputy general manager at J&K Bank. The bank’s managing director had suspended him on April 15, 2024, and later dismissed him on July 15, citing Clause 12.29 of the service manual after a DGP (CID) report alleged he spread misinformation about alleged state-backed atrocities.
The court held that the report, derived from “credible sources” and discreet enquiries, did not constitute a formal investigation as required by the clause. Justice Sanjay Dhar drew a distinction between the powers of constitutional functionaries and a bank’s CEO, stating the latter cannot dismiss staff without a proper inquiry. Consequently, Pampori’s dismissal was declared unsustainable and he was restored to his former post, though the bank may initiate a new case against him. The decision underscores limits on corporate authority in employment matters.
Why it matters
The ruling clarifies that banks cannot bypass formal investigations before firing staff, reinforcing employee rights and due-process standards.
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