B.P. Udawatta vs National Water Supply & Drainage Board – SC FR. 349/2011-2011

In the case between B.P. Udawatta and the National Water Supply & Drainage Board, including various officers such as K.L.L. Premanath (General Manager), the court addressed the legality of the petitioner’s compulsory retirement from service on alleged grounds of negligence and the denial of arrears of salary. The issue centered on whether the petitioner’s retirement, despite recommendations for reinstatement, was arbitrary or in violation of constitutional rights to equality. It was held that the Board’s decision, communicated by letter dated 25.07.2011, was justified in light of the petitioner’s conduct; however, equity required payment of all arrears of salary until the operative date of the Board’s decision. The principle reaffirmed is that while public service disciplinary and administ