VICTORY FOR JUSTICE Calcutta High Court Quashes Discriminatory Order Against AIPEU Group ‘C’
VICTORY FOR JUSTICE Calcutta High Court Quashes Discriminatory Order Against AIPEU Group ‘C’
In a landmark judgment that has energized postal employees and trade union activists across the country, the Calcutta High Court has quashed the controversial order issued by the Department of Posts that prohibited official correspondence with de-recognized unions like AIPEU Group ‘C’ and NFPE.
The judgment in WPA 8899 of 2026 – All India Postal Employees Union & Another Vs Union of India & Others, delivered by Justice Justice Shampa Dutt (Paul), has been hailed as a major victory for justice, equality, and trade union rights.
Background of the Case
The dispute arose after an office order dated 19 March 2026 directed all postal circles and divisions not to correspond with the de-recognized unions, including All India Postal Employees Union Group C and NFPE.
Although the petitioners acknowledged that their recognition had been withdrawn, they argued before the Court that another de-recognized federation — the Bharatiya Postal Employees Federation (BPEF) — continued to enjoy several trade union facilities from the Department of Posts.
These facilities reportedly included:
Official channels of communication
Meetings with senior postal officers
Office accommodation and related facilities
The petitioners contended that denying the same facilities to AIPEU Group ‘C’ amounted to discrimination and violation of natural justice.
Court Finds “Inherent Biasness”
After examining the matter, the Court observed that both AIPEU Group ‘C’ and BPEF were on the same legal footing as de-recognized unions. Therefore, selectively denying facilities to one while extending them to another was unjustified.
The Court strongly criticized the Department’s approach and described it as a case of:
“Inherent biasness”
Violation of principles of natural justice
“Abuse of the process of law”
Justice Shampa Dutt (Paul) ultimately quashed and set aside the impugned office order dated March 19, 2026.
Major Directions Issued by the Court
The Court directed the respondent authorities to extend the same Trade Union facilities to AIPEU Group ‘C’ that are presently being provided to BPEF.
The ruling effectively restores the pathway for:
Official communication with the union
Participation in meetings and discussions
Access to trade union facilities on parity with other federations
The Court also ordered that urgent certified copies of the judgment be supplied expeditiously upon compliance with formalities.
Big Relief for Postal Employees’ Movement
The judgment is being viewed as a major morale booster for the postal employees’ movement and trade union unity across India.
Union members and supporters have welcomed the verdict as a strong message against discriminatory administrative practices. The ruling has reinforced the principle that similarly placed organizations cannot be treated differently without lawful justification.
Special appreciation is being expressed for the efforts and leadership of West Bengal union representatives and senior comrades who fought the legal battle relentlessly.
A Historic Win for Trade Union Rights
The judgment of the Calcutta High Court marks a significant chapter in the struggle for equality and fair treatment of postal unions.
By striking down the discriminatory order, the Court has reaffirmed that administrative authorities must act fairly, transparently, and without bias.
For thousands of postal employees and union members, this verdict is not just a legal success — it is a powerful victory for justice, dignity, and democratic trade union rights.