CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER (TELECOM) BSNL Vs. JOMY JOSEPH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) There is a common issue involved in all these cases and hence they are dealt with together. The issue is with regard to the actual extent of liability, based on the 'Bond' executed by the concerned employees, assuring to serve the Department/BSNL for the stipulated number of years, once they are appointed and accommodated in the posts in question, after giving the requisite extent of training so as to hold the post of Junior Telecom Officer.

(2.) Heard the learned Standing Counsel for the petitioners as well as the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the party respondents/applicants.

(3.) The respondents participated in the process of selection notified by the BSNL for the post of Junior Telecom Officers. On coming out successful, they were offered appointment and extensive training was given for nearly one year in various fields to make them equipped to discharge the duties attached to the post. Considering the job specification/job requirements so as to streamline the activities and to ensure the organizational interest, the employees were required to execute a Bond of Rs.2,00,000/- to serve the BSNL for a period of 'five years', in view of the expenditure already incurred for providing such training and the minimum input to be rendered by the employees concerned to make it viable and avoid loss to the Department. All the respondents executed such Bonds and were continuing as above.