In Brief
Mangilal Kajodia, a teacher with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan since 1981, was removed from service in 2008 for unauthorized absence after refusing to join a transfer order to Kargil. He challenged the removal after nine years through multiple forums including the CAT and approached the Supreme Court under Article 32. The Court found the removal order, though not examined for substantive correctness given the delay, to be disproportionately harsh. It directed his reinstatement but declined to award arrears for the absence period. However, the Court modified the offer to grant salary fixation with notional increments, ensuring the employee's pay would reflect progression comparable to peers, while forfeiting no arrears or seniority benefits for the pre-absence period.
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