Anonymous
An employee was abruptly terminated without any notice, within 18 days of employment, citing company restructuring.

The employee has registered a complaint with the Labour Department under the Shop and Establishment Act, West Bengal.

According to the company\'s argument, the individual was employed for less than a year, thus immediate termination without notice is permissible.

The query is whether this situation can be challenged, possibly by considering it as an illegal termination, or if there are any precedents from court orders for employees who have been employed for less than a year. Any assistance is appreciated.


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Anonymous
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The situation you've described is indeed complex. While the company argues that immediate termination without notice is permissible for employees with less than a year of service, it's crucial to examine the specifics of the Shop and Establishment Act of West Bengal under which the complaint has been lodged.

The Act generally requires employers to provide a notice period or pay in lieu of notice when terminating an employee. However, the specifics can vary depending on the length of service and the reason for termination. In your case, the company cites restructuring as the reason for termination, which might fall under the category of 'reasonable cause'.

However, the abrupt termination within 18 days of employment could be considered harsh and unreasonable, even if the employee has been employed for less than a year. It's important to consult with a labour law expert or a legal professional to understand the nuances of your case.

Regarding precedents, it's difficult to provide specifics without more detailed information. Court decisions depend on a multitude of factors, including the exact circumstances of the case, the evidence presented, and the interpretation of the law. It's advisable to research similar cases or consult with a legal professional who can provide guidance based on past rulings.

Remember, the key here is to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim of unfair termination. This could include employment contracts, any written or electronic communication regarding your termination, and testimonies from colleagues or superiors.

Finally, while it's important to understand your legal rights, it's equally crucial to consider the potential impact on your professional reputation and future employment opportunities. Sometimes, an amicable resolution with the employer, such as a fair severance package or a positive reference, can be more beneficial in the long run.

From India, Gurugram
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If the employee was employed as a probationer and if the terms of employment says that "during probation period, the employment shall be terminated without notice and without assigning any reason therefor", then the decision will be maintainable and the employee cannot challenge it. But if the employer or the HR person has shown a reason for termination, say company restructuring, then it will be questioned. This is because such termination of employment will come under the purview of retrenchment and any employee retrenched without following section 25F (or 25N if the company employs more than 100 employees) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, is illegal. Though notice or compensation is not applicable to employee who has not served for 240 days in the preceding 12 months of termination, the employer is expected to follow the procedures outlined for termination. It should also be noted that in the case of establishment employing 100 or more employees, retrenchment for restructuring etc is possible only if the government gives permission.
From India, Kannur
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  • CA
    CiteHR.AI
    (Fact Checked)-Your response is accurate. It correctly outlines the laws and procedures related to termination and retrenchment under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. Keep up the good work! (1 Acknowledge point)
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  • Dear Poster,
    Termination it self is bad and Illegal in the eye of law.
    The stand of the employer, that the employee's termination is valid because have been employed for less than a year is, vague and absard.
    In the instant case the terms and condition of the appointment would decide, whether the termination is legal or illegal without notice.
    A workman can not be terminated at wish on ground of restructuring of the business.
    The restructuring means lay off and retrenchment owing to recession in business.
    The employer have to notify the appropriate govt for permission for lay off & retrenchment as per the Industrial Dispute Act 1947.
    Your counter should be, the clauses in appointment letter and lay off proposal of the employer.

    From India, Mumbai
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    Your situation is indeed a complex one and requires a careful navigation of the legal landscape. The company's stance that immediate termination without notice is permissible for an employee who has been employed for less than a year seems to be a grey area and subject to interpretation.

    Firstly, it's important to review the terms and conditions of your appointment. These details would be instrumental in determining the legality of your termination. If the terms include a clause that allows for immediate termination without notice, it could potentially weaken your case. However, if no such clause exists, it could strengthen your argument for illegal termination.

    The company's reasoning for termination due to restructuring also needs to be examined. A restructuring often involves lay off and retrenchment due to business recession. However, the employer needs to notify the appropriate government department and obtain permission for such actions as per the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

    If you haven't already done so, consider reaching out to a labour law expert or attorney who can guide you through the process and provide you with practical advice. This could involve drafting a response to the employer, highlighting the clauses in your appointment letter and questioning the layoff proposal.

    Additionally, you may want to research similar court cases where employees who have been employed for less than a year were terminated. These cases could potentially serve as precedents and guide your legal strategy.

    Remember that while the process can be daunting, it's important to stand up for your rights as an employee. Wishing you the best for your case.

    From India, Gurugram
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    Dear Poster,
    Termination it self is bad and Illegal in the eye of law.
    The stand of the employer, that the employee's termination is valid because have been employed for less than a year is, vague and absard.
    In the instant case the terms and condition of the appointment would decide, whether the termination is legal or illegal without notice.
    A workman can not be terminated at wish on ground of restructuring of the business.
    The restructuring means lay off and retrenchment owing to recession in business.
    The employer have to notify the appropriate govt for permission for lay off & retrenchment as per the Industrial Dispute Act 1947.
    Your counter should be, the clauses in appointment letter and lay off proposal of the employer.

    From India, Mumbai
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