In Brief
The Supreme Court dismissed contempt petitions filed by Assistant Engineers challenging: (1) reengagement without continuity of service or back wages by order dated 4.12.2018, and (2) termination by order dated 2.3.2020 without prior hearing. The Court held that the High Court's judgment setting aside an invalid termination order used language permitting work and payment of salary, not explicitly mandating reinstatement with continuity and arrears. Thus, the reengagement order did not breach court directions. For the 2.3.2020 order, where the respondents concluded segregation of tainted candidates was impossible after enquiry, no individual hearing was legally required. Both contempt petitions lacked proof of willful disobedience. The Court remitted the substantive validity challenge to the High Court for hearing with other overlapping writ petitions.
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