In Brief
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company challenged a tribunal award reinstating an employee, Saroj Kumar Panda, who was terminated following departmental restructuring. The tribunal had passed an ex-parte award against company officers, not the employer itself. The Supreme Court held that proper impleadment of parties is essential for any award to be executable. A corporate entity is separate from its officers; officers signing documents on behalf of the company do not become individually liable unless specifically claimed against. The Court allowed the appeal, set aside the tribunal and High Court orders, and remitted the matter for fresh consideration with proper parties impleaded and fair opportunity to both sides.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.