In Brief
A Branch Manager of an insurance company issued a cover note without collecting premium, relying on a customer's assurance to pay later. When the insured vehicle met with an accident, the company suffered a financial loss. The disciplinary authority removed the employee from service. The High Court upheld the removal. The Supreme Court held that while misconduct was proved, the punishment was disproportionate. The employee had 20 years of unblemished service, the customer was long-standing, and the misconduct did not indicate a failure of integrity. The Court quashed the removal order and remitted the case for imposition of lesser punishment.
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