MUMBAI, July 24: Conductors of Bombay Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking should either be present on duty or lose their job, ruled the Industrial Court today while upholding the dismissal of a conductor for habitual absenteeism.

Judge P S Ghose of the Industrial Court today rejected the appeal by conductor S K More who challenged the labour court's ruling on his dismissal.

More was dismissed by the BEST undertaking in 1986 following cumulative absence from work without permission. He moved the labour court. However, when it confirmed his dismissal on May 29, 1993,he went in appeal against the ruling.

Upholding the labour court's ruling, Judge Ghose observed, ``In the public transport industry such as BEST, the staff attendance is of paramount importance. "When I perused More's record of absenteeism, it seems that he has on number of occasions been punished for various misconducts as well as absenteeism. Therefore, I feel that the punishment is just and proper.''

More, hailing from Bhor in Pune district, had joined the BEST in 1963. He, however, got in to the habit of frequently remaining absent from duty without permission. The undertaking initiated action against More after he failed to report to the duty for 27 consecutive days in 1986. Departmental enquiry was initiated against him and dismissed after he was found guilty.

More then moved the labour court.

Defending More, advocate S A Khanolkar said his client had informed his superiors about his absence in 1986. He further said that More was ill during those 27 days and had also submitted medical certificates to the undertaking. He argued that illness could not be termed as absenteeism.

Advocate for BEST M Nair said that the undertaking had given several opportunities to More to improve his behaviour but in vain. He said the undertaking has been lenient with More several times however, he had failed to mend his ways.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.