Summary: Prasad Dinkar Patil, a former Live Stock Supervisor, wins a court case for getting his job back and receiving unpaid salary after being declared medically unfit by his employer. The court criticizes the Zilla Parishad for their treatment and orders compensation under disability rights laws.
Prasad Dinkar Patil, once a Live Stock Supervisor, faced severe health challenges starting in 2018. After suffering from seizures and a brain stroke, he became paraplegic. Despite his condition, the Zilla Parishad suspended him in 2020 and started disciplinary actions, even though he was bedridden and needed medical help.
Patil took his case to the Bombay High Court, seeking to overturn the decisions that declared him unfit on medical grounds. He asked for his job back, unpaid salary, and recognition of his rights under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
"This Petition brings before us a case with such unforeseen facts that indicate heartless behaviour by an officer of the Zilla Parishad," said the court.
Judges Ravindra V. Ghuge and Ashwin D. Bhobe expressed shock at the Zilla Parishad's actions. They ordered that Patil be reinstated and treated as if he was still working, with his unpaid salary to be processed immediately. They also directed the Zilla Parishad to create an extra job position for him, ensuring his job until retirement.
The court criticized the previous actions of CEOs Mr. Dilip Halde and Dr. Kiran Patil, who were involved in Patil's suspension and disciplinary actions. The court ordered a counseling session for them to better understand disability rights.
The court set deadlines for salary payments and required a compliance report by December 15, 2025. They also requested the Zilla Parishad to consider Patil's application for medical reimbursement, urging them to act according to the law.
