In Brief
A Medical Officer transferred from Uttarakhand to Uttar Pradesh under a common posting order in 2002 defied his posting by not joining at the designated location and instead pursued private practice for 13 years. The High Court granted him a fresh posting and 50% back wages, finding the original order was not communicated. The Supreme Court held that once a posting order is issued and dispatched, it is deemed communicated irrespective of actual receipt. The Court set aside the High Court orders as arbitrary, ruling that an officer who deliberately avoided joining and was gainfully employed cannot claim back wages.
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