Law: Constitution of Pakistan, 1973

Section: 4,8,199

Law: Civil Servants Act, 1973

Section:

Summary

The petitioner, Syed Adnan Zaidi, a Sub Engineer at Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC), claimed that his salary was unlawfully stopped from May 2016 onward as retaliation for his actions against illegal water connections and corruption within the department. He alleged that after reporting illegal activities and refusing to pay bribes to his superiors, his attendance was not marked and his salary was withheld. The petitioner sought a court order for the release of his unpaid salary and a declaration that the actions of the respondents were illegal.

The respondents argued that the petitioner was suspended for alleged misconduct, including unauthorized financial dealings and abuse of authority, and that his salary was withheld due to attendance issues and periods of suspension. An Enquiry Committee found evidence of misconduct but noted no formal punishment was imposed. The court concluded that while the petitioner was entitled to a subsistence allowance during suspension, and possibly salary for periods worked without formal suspension, the matter required further inquiry. The competent authority was directed to re-examine the petitioner’s status and, if no formal punishment was imposed, release his withheld salary after verification.

Core Points

The petitioner’s salary was stopped allegedly in retaliation for reporting illegal water connections and refusing to pay bribes.