Guwahati: After a lengthy two-year legal battle, 771 contractual employees of the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC), who were terminated in 2023, have received a significant relief as the Gauhati High Court ordered their reinstatement. The court ruled that the government must allow these employees to continue working until either regular appointments are made or the respective positions are abolished. The affected employees had served in various roles for nearly a decade before their release.
In a decision issued on May 30, 2023, the ASTC provided termination notices to these 771 contractual workers, which included mechanics, security assistants, office assistants, computer assistants, drivers, grade-IV staff, and supervisors, with many having worked since 2013. The ASTC later acknowledged that these employees were hired without adhering to proper recruitment procedures. Subsequently, the State Transport Workers’ Association, along with the affected workers, challenged the government orders in court.
Justice Kardak Ete, delivering the verdict this past Tuesday, emphasized that the employees should not have been dismissed, noting that while their appointments were irregular, they were not illegal. He indicated that the ASTC would face a critical manpower shortage if these employees were not allowed to continue. The court directed the state government to reinstate them while highlighting the necessity to fill the posts through appropriate means.
Justice Ete stated that although the petitioners, or employees, are not entitled to any financial benefits or back wages for their non-working period, they should be permitted to partake in the regular selection process if the government chooses to fill the positions, potentially allowing for age concessions as per eligibility requirements.
The judge acknowledged that, typically, contract employees do not have the right to remain employed beyond their contract expiration. However, he pointed out that the continued presence of these employees is crucial given the state’s acknowledgment of a likely shortage of crucial workers following their termination. Additionally, the court perceived the employees’ requests for job continuity and participation in the regular selection process as a fair and reasonable grievance.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/gauhati-high-court-orders-reinstatement-of-771-astc-contractual-employees-after-legal-battle/articleshow/123977780.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-09-18 18:48:00
