Court Orders Reconsideration of Petitioner’s Case in Light of COVID-19 Challenges and Lack of Procedural Fairness
In a significant ruling, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has set aside the termination of a Field Assistant employed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), citing a breach of principles of natural justice. Justice Balaji Medamalli delivered the judgment on September 3, 2026, in response to a writ petition filed by M Sankaraiah, challenging the discontinuation of his services without notice or hearing.
The petitioner, M Sankaraiah, was appointed as a Field Assistant in 2006 and continued in the role at K.S. Agraharam Gram Panchayat, Chitvel Mandal. His services were abruptly discontinued in August 2021 due to a shortfall in achieving the prescribed person-days target amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The court found that the termination was carried out without issuing a notice, affording an opportunity for a hearing, or offering an alternative engagement as a Senior Mate as mandated by policy.
The court emphasized the need for procedural fairness, noting that the petitioner’s inability to meet the target was due to extraordinary circumstances during the pandemic, including lockdowns and a high incidence of deaths in the village. It criticized the respondents for ignoring the recommendations of the Mandal Parishad Development Officer, which supported the petitioner’s continuation based on his 15 years of service and sincere efforts.
The court directed the respondent authorities to reconsider the petitioner’s case in accordance with the applicable policy and offer him an opportunity to work as a Senior Mate. Should the petitioner subsequently fulfill the performance criteria, his case should be considered for re-engagement as a Field Assistant.
This judgment underscores the importance of adhering to principles of natural justice, especially in cases involving employment under contractual terms, and highlights the judiciary's role in safeguarding employees’ rights against arbitrary administrative actions.
Bottom Line :
Termination of contractual employment without notice or opportunity of hearing violates principles of natural justice.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226 of the Constitution of India, Service Law under MGNREGS, Field Assistant Human Resource Policy (FAHRP).
M Sankaraiah v. State of Andhra Pradesh, (AP) : Law Finder Doc id # 2980855
