Anupam Pinakinbhai Padaya vs Air India Ltd. - Employment Dispute
Summary
The Bombay High Court is hearing a writ petition filed by Anupam Pinakinbhai Padaya against Air India Ltd. The petitioner seeks reinstatement with back wages, arguing their dismissal was void ab initio based on a previous judgment. The petition also challenges a notice under the Public Premises Act and seeks exemplary damages for alleged victimization based on caste.
What changed
This document details a writ petition filed in the Bombay High Court by Anupam Pinakinbhai Padaya against Air India Ltd. The petitioner seeks a declaration that their removal from service was void ab initio, entitling them to reinstatement with retrospective effect, back wages, and all consequential benefits. The petition also challenges the constitutionality of a notice issued under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971, and requests exemplary damages of Rs. 25 lakhs, alleging victimization due to their Scheduled Caste community status.
Compliance officers should note the specific legal arguments being made regarding the voiding of dismissal and the challenge to the Public Premises Act notice. The case highlights potential liabilities for employers concerning wrongful termination, discrimination claims, and the application of specific eviction statutes. While this is a specific case, it underscores the importance of robust HR processes and adherence to anti-discrimination laws. No immediate compliance actions are required for entities not involved in this specific dispute, but it serves as a reminder of potential legal challenges in employment termination and property eviction matters.
What to do next
- Review internal policies on employee dismissal and reinstatement procedures.
- Ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws, particularly concerning caste or other protected characteristics.
- Verify adherence to the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971, where applicable.
Penalties
The petitioner is seeking Rs. 25 lakhs as exemplary damages.
Source document (simplified)
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Anupam Pinakinbhai Padaya vs Air India Ltd. And 2 Ors. on 23 March, 2026
Author: S.M.Modak
Bench: S.M.Modak
2026:BHC-OS:6981
21-WP-1999-2023+IA-2410-2021.doc
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
ORDINARY ORIGINAL CIVIL JURISDICTION
WRIT PETITION NO.1999 OF 2023
SATISH WITH
RAMCHANDRA
SANGAR INTERIM APPLICATION NO.2410 OF 2021
Digitally signed by
SATISH RAMCHANDRA
SANGAR
Date: 2026.03.23
Anupam Pinakinbhai Padaya ...Petitioner/Applicant
19:11:48 +0530
V/s.
Air India Ltd. and Ors. ...Respondents
*****
Mr.Dayanand H. i/b. Nedumpara and Nedumpara, Advocate for
Petitioner.
Mr.Sudhir Jalsania (Sr.Counsel) a/w Mr.Lancy D'Souza, Ms.Deepika
Agarwal and Mr.V.M.Parkar, Advocates for Respondent No.1.
*****
CORAM : S.M.MODAK AND
SANDEEP V. MARNE, JJ. DATE : 23rd MARCH 2026
P. C. :- 1. The Petitioner has filed the present Petition essentially against
the employer - Air India Limited seeking following prayers:-
"(a) declare that with the Exhibit H judgment of this Hon'ble
Court which became final, authoritative and binding with
the Supreme Court declining leave to appeal against it, the
removal/dismissal of the Petitioner from service was one
rendered void ab initio, still born, one which never ever
existed in the eye of law, and as a consequence thereof, the
Petitioner is entitled to reinstatement in service with
retrospective effect from the date of his illegal removal, with
all consequential benefits and in particular, back wages,
terminal and other benefits and a consequential writ in the
nature of mandamus commanding the Respondents to21-WP-1999-2023+IA-2410-2021.doc
reinstate the Petitioner in service with retrospective effect
with all consequential benefits forthwith.(b) declare that Exhibit J notice under Section 3 B(1) and Section 4 (2) (b) (ii) of Public Premises (Eviction of
Unauthorized Occupants Act, 1971, is unconstitutional and
void ab initio, one vitiated by malice, and issue a
consequential writ in the nature of certiorari quashing and
setting aside the same.(c) issue a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the
Respondents to pay an amount of Rs.25 lakhs as exemplary
damages for victimization on the sole reason that the
Petitioner belongs to the Schedule Caste community.(d) pass such further and other orders as the nature and
circumstances of the case may require."
2. In R.S. Madireddy and Another V/s. Union of India and Others 1,
the Hon'ble Apex Court has held that the Petition under Article 226 of
the Constitution of India is not maintainable before the High Court
against Air India Limited on account of the fact that Air India Limited
is no longer an instrumentality of the State under Article 12 of the
Constitution of India.
- In that view of the matter, we have not inclined to entertain the
present Petition.
- The Petitioner would be at liberty to adopt appropriate remedies
available in law in respect of his grievances raised in the Petition.
Leaving open all the remedies, as observed above, the Writ Petition is
disposed of.
1 2024 SCC OnLine SC 965
21-WP-1999-2023+IA-2410-2021.doc
- Pending Interim Applications also stand disposed of.
(SANDEEP V. MARNE, J.) (S.M.MODAK, J.)
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