Theft By Employee Leads To Mistrust In Him, Labour Court Cannot Order Reinstatement On Sympathy: Karnataka High Court

The Karnataka High Court ruled that the Labour Court cannot order the reinstatement of a workman involved in a serious case of theft on the grounds of sympathy. The court set aside the Labour Court’s order directing the reinstatement and payment of back wages to an employee who was dismissed for unauthorizedly carrying a pouch of cooking oil from his workplace. The court emphasized that the act of theft, regardless of its scale, leads to mistrust by the employer and warrants dismissal. The court noted that the Labour Court failed to consider the gravity of the misconduct and the evidence presented. The court’s decision highlights the importance of maintaining trust in the employer-employee relationship and upholding disciplinary actions in cases of serious misconduct.