Orissa High Court Criticizes UCO Bank for Denying Regularization to Long-Serving Sweeper
The Orissa High Court has strongly criticized UCO Bank for refusing to regularize the services of Kalinga Ray, a sweeper who has served the institution for over two decades. Justice Murahari Sri Raman ruled that the bank's denial of regularization was arbitrary, discriminatory, and violative of Articles 14 and 38 of the Constitution of India, which guarantee equality and social justice. The court highlighted that Ray, engaged as a casual worker since 2005 and working uninterruptedly at various branches, performed duties beyond his role due to staff shortages. Despite UCO Bank's argument that Ray did not meet specific criteria outlined in a 2015 circular because he was classified as a casual worker rather than a casual sweeper, the court found this distinction exploitative. The judgment emphasizes that long-standing engagement of casual workers for perennial needs entitles them to consideration for absorption into permanent service. The court directed UCO Bank to pragmatically consider Ray's regularization, noting that junior employees in similar situations had already been regularized, thereby making the bank's action discriminatory. This ruling underscores the legal obligation of public sector banks to address historical labor injustices and ensure fair treatment of long-serving contractual staff.
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Orissa High Court Criticizes UCO Bank for Denying Regularization to Long-Serving Sweeper
The Orissa High Court has strongly criticized UCO Bank for refusing to regularize the services of Kalinga Ray, a sweeper who has served the institution for over two decades. Justice Murahari Sri Raman ruled that the bank's denial of regularization was arbitrary, discriminatory, and violative of Articles 14 and 38 of the Constitution of India, which guarantee equality and social justice. The court highlighted that Ray, engaged as a casual worker since 2005 and working uninterruptedly at various branches, performed duties beyond his role due to staff shortages. Despite UCO Bank's argument that Ray did not meet specific criteria outlined in a 2015 circular because he was classified as a casual worker rather than a casual sweeper, the court found this distinction exploitative. The judgment emphasizes that long-standing engagement of casual workers for perennial needs entitles them to consideration for absorption into permanent service. The court directed UCO Bank to pragmatically consider Ray's regularization, noting that junior employees in similar situations had already been regularized, thereby making the bank's action discriminatory. This ruling underscores the legal obligation of public sector banks to address historical labor injustices and ensure fair treatment of long-serving contractual staff.
The Indian Express