Andhra Pradesh High Court: APSRTC Conductor's Termination Upheld, Leniency Towards Misappropriation Contrary To Public Interest

The Andhra Pradesh High Court in the case Ganasala Krishna v. The Presiding Officer, Labour Court, Guntur & Others observed wherein the court upheld the dismissal of an APSRTC conductor.

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He was being terminated for collecting fares from passengers without issuing tickets.

The single judge bench of Justice Maheswara Rao Kuncheam in the case stressed on the importance of maintaining public trust in disciplinary actions.

The court ruled that leniency in cases of misappropriation, even involving small amounts, is contrary to public interest.

BACKGROUND OF THE CASE

Ganasala Krishna was a conductor with the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, APSRTC and during a suspension check, he was being caught collecting fares from passengers without issuing tickets (in violation of AP-SRTC Employees Conduct Rules).

A disciplinary inquiry resulted in his termination from service in 2005.

The court dismissed both the appellate and reviewing authorities.