Archive · 31 Jul 2025
Karnataka High Court Upholds Dismissal of BMTC Driver
Imagine a bus driver named Malurappa who got his job by pretending he went to a higher grade in school than he actually did.
The bus company found out and fired him.
Malurappa fought to keep his job, but after many years in court, the judge said the bus company was right to fire him.
The judge said there wasn't a long wait before they fired him, and he couldn't keep his job because he lied about his schooling.
Karnataka High Court upheld the dismissal of a BMTC driver for using a forged school certificate.
The driver, Malurappa, submitted a forged transfer certificate to get the job in 1988.
BMTC started an inquiry in 2001, discovering the certificate indicated completion of Class 9 instead of Class 1.
The Labour Court initially reinstated the driver in 2016, but the High Court overturned the decision in 2024.
The court found no delay in the disciplinary inquiry, thus dismissing the driver's appeal.
- Who
- Malurappa, a BMTC driver, and the BMTC
- What
- Karnataka High Court upheld the dismissal of a BMTC driver who used a forged school certificate.
- When
- The dismissal was upheld in February 2024 after legal proceedings lasting over 24 years.
- Where
- Karnataka High Court
- Why
- Malurappa was dismissed for submitting a forged school certificate.
Driver's Argument
Court's Decision
Length of Service vs. Forged Documents
Driver's Argument
He argued for his reinstatement based on the number of years of service.
Court's Decision
The court noted no delay in the disciplinary inquiry and said that his actions were not aligned with company policy.
Applicability of Past Precedent
Driver's Argument
The driver cited a Supreme Court case (KVS Ram vs BMTC) to support his appeal, claiming similarity.
Court's Decision
The court distinguished his case from KVS Ram, emphasizing that there was no delay in his disciplinary proceedings.
- Defendant
- Malurappa
- Employer
- BMTC
- Employment Start
- 1988
- Inquiry Started
- 2001
- Dismissal
- 2005
- Labor Court Decision
- 2016 (Reinstatement)
- High Court Ruling
- 2024 (Dismissal upheld)