In Brief
The Supreme Court upheld the Union of India's appeal against a High Court decision that had ordered reinstatement of unit-run regimental canteen workers. The Court held that employees of regimental canteens, who are funded from Regimental Funds rather than the Consolidated Fund of India, are neither government servants nor engaged in connection with a civil post under the Union. Consequently, the Central Administrative Tribunal lacked jurisdiction to entertain their reinstatement claims. The Court set aside reinstatement orders while noting that canteen authorities may show sympathy regarding the workers' long service history.
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