The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has reportedly ordered Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) to pay full salary to a junior telecom officer until his retirement, overturning the company’s decision to compulsorily retire him after he was diagnosed with a mental illness.
The employee, who joined BSNL Ahmedabad in 1985, was assessed with 60 per cent disability during service. In 2019, BSNL retired him under its internal rules, citing that he was mentally unfit. He challenged the move before the tribunal, arguing that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 protects employees who acquire a disability while in service.
The tribunal noted that BSNL had been aware of his condition since 2007, with medical records confirming permanent disability in later years. It ruled that once disability is established during service, the law requires employers to either shift the employee to another suitable post with the same pay and benefits or place them in a supernumerary role until retirement, rather than forcing premature exit.
The bench clarified that if retirement benefits have already been paid, the remaining salary and other dues must also be settled according to rules.
This case highlights the importance of disability rights in employment. It reinforces that service rules cannot override protections guaranteed under national law. For BSNL, the ruling means ensuring compliance with disability provisions and safeguarding employee entitlements. For workers, it sets a precedent that health-related challenges during service should not lead to unfair loss of livelihood.