Court Directs Consideration of Empathy and Pragmatism in Employee Transfers Amidst Health Issues
In a landmark decision, the Rajasthan High Court (Jaipur Bench), comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sangeeta Sharma, has quashed the transfer order of Neeraj Sharma, an employee of the State Bank of India (SBI), citing the necessity to consider medical conditions in administrative decisions. The judgment, delivered on February 10, 2026, emphasized the need for empathy and a pragmatic approach in handling employee transfers, especially when severe health issues are involved.
Neeraj Sharma, the appellant, challenged his transfer from Jaipur Circle to Hyderabad, citing serious medical conditions, including acute ischemic strokes that have considerably impaired his vision and daily functioning. Despite the State Bank of India's assertion that no suitable positions were available in Jaipur Circle, the court found that recent internal transfers contradicted this claim.
The court highlighted the welfare state's duty to show empathy and avoid rigid adherence to administrative circulars that disregard employees' health. The decision sets aside the earlier order of a single judge vacating Sharma's interim relief and directs SBI to reconsider his posting within Jaipur Circle.
The judgment also references the Supreme Court's decision in "Dinesh Kumar Gupta v. High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan At Jodhpur," underscoring the judiciary's role in ensuring compassionate consideration of medical conditions in administrative matters.
This ruling is a reminder to administrative bodies, including banks, to balance operational needs with employee welfare, reinforcing the principle that employees' health conditions warrant special consideration in transfer decisions.
Bottom Line:
Transfer orders - Medical condition of employee must be considered - Welfare state duty to show empathy towards employees suffering from medical ailments.
Statutory provision(s): Transfer Orders, Judicial Review, Appeal
Neeraj Sharma v. State Bank of India, (Rajasthan)(Jaipur Bench)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2866870
