KARACHI, Feb 12: The Federal Service Tribunal reinstated a railway employee but allowed the management to institute a fresh inquiry in accordance with the rules.

Syed Mujahid Husain, a grade-14 employee, was dismissed from service by a divisional superintendent under the Removal from Service (Special Powers) Ordinance after a prolonged absence from duty. However, no inquiry was held nor was he given an opportunity of hearing. He also submitted through Advocate M. Nawaz Shaikh that the general manager of the railways was the competent authority to take action against him.

Allowing the appeal, an FST bench comprising Qazi Muhammad Hussain Siddiqui and Rashid Ali Mirza said the management was at liberty to hold a fresh inquiry under the rules. The payment of back benefits would depend on the outcome of the new inquiry.