Supreme Court Shields PSU Bank Employees from Termination Amid De-Scheduled Castes Crisis

The Supreme Court has safeguarded central government and PSU bank employees from termination after their castes were de-scheduled by Karnataka. A bench overruled the Karnataka High Court, asserting that employees with previous Scheduled Caste certificates must retain their jobs based on a 2003 government circular.

The Supreme Court has come to the rescue of central government and PSU bank employees facing termination after their castes were de-scheduled by the Karnataka government. The bench quashed notices issued to employees asking them to justify their continued employment.

Justices Hima Kohli and Sandeep Mehta set aside a Karnataka High Court judgment, maintaining that employees who joined on the basis of Scheduled Caste certificates should retain their positions. The ruling favors employees from communities like Kotegara and Kuruba who were impacted by the state's decision.

Under the 2003 government circular, the court ruled that such employees are entitled to protection. This decision overrides the earlier state circular and reinforces that the state lacks authority to amend the SC/ST list under Articles 341 and 342 of the Constitution. The ruling aligns with a finance ministry directive protecting bank employees from further action.

(With inputs from agencies.)