ISLAMABAD, April 24: Supreme Court on Monday reinstated a dispenser of Capital Development Authority (CDA) Hospital, who was removed from service on the charge of stealing medicines worth Rs500.

The SC bench, comprising Chief Justice Shaikh Riaz Ahmad, Justice Mian Mohammad Ajmal and Justice Mohammad Nawaz Abbasi, expressed displeasure on the order of “competent authority” of dismissing the dispenser from service.

The CDA counsel, Malik Mohammad Nawaz, however, pleaded for the removal of the employee, saying that thieves should not be allowed to come back.

Meanwhile, the counsel for the petitioner stated that his client had not stolen the medicines. He was taking away the medicines obtained from the hospital for his ailing father and he was entitled to such a facility, the counsel added.

The court was informed that an inquiry officer had first recommended that the dispenser should be demoted, but later recommended his removal from the service.

Chief Justice Shaikh Riaz Ahmad asked the Capital Development Authority counsel to look for high-ups and should not target the low grade employees, as getting a job these days was difficult.

However, the court observed that the employee would not get any back benefits.