In Brief
The Union of India challenged a Tribunal's order that reinstated employees of Army regimental canteens after their termination. The Supreme Court held that employees of Unit run Canteens are neither government servants nor engaged under the Union of India, following established three-Judge Bench precedent. Consequently, the Central Administrative Tribunal lacked jurisdiction over their claims. The Court set aside the reinstatement order and dismissed the original applications, though it permitted the canteen authorities to retain the respondents on sympathetic grounds given their long service.
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