Imposition Of Bond For Medical Officers Who Took Study Leave Is Justified, But Prohibition On Legal Recourse Is Not; Chhattisgarh HC

The Chhattisgarh High Court upheld the imposition of a bond on Ayurvedic Medical Officer Dr. Ravichand Meshram, who took study leave, but quashed the condition prohibiting legal recourse. The court found the bond requirement reasonable, given the state’s investment in training medical officers. However, it ruled that denying the officer the right to pursue legal action violated Section 28 of the Contract Act, 1872. The court noted that the conditions imposed were consistent with government policy, but the prohibition on legal recourse was unjust. The ruling underscores the balance between enforcing service commitments and protecting legal rights.