CAT stays termination order of Assistant Professor of PGGCG sector 11 Chandigarh

While observing that the guidelines regarding handling of complaints issued by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) Government of India specifically regarding anonymous complaints has not been followed in the case Central Administrative Tribunal Chandigarh Bench has stayed the termination order of an Assistant Professor working in the Post Graduate Government College of Girls (PGGCG,) sector 11 Chandigarh

The bench has directed the respondents to allow the applicant to continue working as Assistant Professor (Geography) till the next date. Dr Salil Sharma filed an application against order dated November 4, 2025-issued by department whereby her contract/ services have been terminated with immediate effect on account of alleged unsatisfactory work and conduct qua the additional charge of post of Warden, Hostel No. 2.

She further said that she has been working as Assistant Professor (Geography) on contract basis without break since 2010 She was given additional charge of Warden, Hostel No. 2 in PGGCG, Sec-11, Chandigarh in 2018 and consequently she along with her husband shifted to warden house.

In 2020 she had heath problem and her brother, started living with her intermittently in the warden accommodation for helping her.

She further submitted that respondents received an anonymous complaint through email dated October 06, 2025 against the applicant alleging various issues including presence of male relative of the warden in hostel premises, arbitrary restriction of outing timings, threatening of students etc.

The applicant further contended that DoPT OM dated September 28, .2022 and October 09, 2024 categorically provide that anonymous complaints should be filed straight away, and no action is required to be taken on such complaints, irrespective of the nature of allegations.

The applicant alleged that respondent deliberately forwarded the anonymous complaint to fact finding committee on October 09, 2025 and the committee without associating the applicant in any manner whatsoever submitted its report dated October 11, 2025

The respondents had contested the claim of the applicant. They said that termination order has

been passed in line with clause 3 of the terms of engagement stipulated in the appointment letter of the applicant itself

After hearing of the arguments the Tribunal said that that the guidelines regarding handling of complaints issued by DoPT specifically regarding anonymous complaints has not been followed in the instant case. Furthermore, the Tribunal added that it appeared that no opportunity of hearing has been given to the applicant prior to the passing of impugned termination order dated November 04, 2025 which is in contravention with the Principles of Natural Justice. In view of the discussion hereinabove, this Tribunal found that prima facie case for interim relief is made out in favour of the applicant. Accordingly, the operation of impugned termination order dated November 04, .2025 is stayed till the next date of hearing.

Meanwhile, the respondents were directed to allow the applicant to continue working as Assistant Professor (Geography) till the next date. She shall not be entrusted with any duties of hostel warden at this stage.