ISLAMABAD, March 15: No government employee can anymore be dismissed from service under the Efficiency and Discipline (E&D) rules because they are no more valid, Federal Service Tribunal (FST) observed on Wednesday.

The tribunal comprising Jehanzaib Burki and Hafeez Mirza was of the view that after the enforcement of the Removal from Service Ordinance on May 27, 2000, the E&D rules became ineffective for imposition of major penalty of removal from service.

All cases should now be proceeded under the existing law, it added. The tribunal stated that the cases relating to imposition of punishment under the E&D rules did not become time barred and could be challenged at any stage.

Besides, it was mentioned by the tribunal that the petitioner’s right to get reinstated would not be compromised if after his/her dismissal and during pendency of appeal he/she accepted gratuity and other payments from the department.

The FST made these observations while reserving its decision in a case filed by one Mr Rizwan against Wapda. Mr Rizwan had been compulsorily retired by his department under the E&D rules on the charges of taking bribe.

The petitioner, represented by his counsel Ramzan Khan, denied the charge.—Staff Reporter