In Brief
A pilot officer appointed on regular basis by Tuticorin Port Trust was terminated in 2012 based on alleged invalidity of his Singapore-issued Certificate of Competency. He challenged the termination before the High Court, which set it aside and ordered reinstatement with full back wages. The Port Trust appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing the Singapore certificate was not recognized by India. The Court held that the certificate was equivalent under port regulations, the Port Trust had earlier accepted it, and the respondent had passed the mandatory pilot examination. The Court upheld reinstatement but reduced back wages to 40% due to the prolonged period of non-service, partly allowing the appeal.",
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