Overview
- Justice Sachin Datta dismissed Shubham Verma’s petition seeking remote work, holding that GRAP does not override central government service conditions.
- The court found that the CAQM guideline issued on November 21 vests any decision on work-from-home in the central government’s discretion.
- Verma, a Scientist-E at C-DOT, cited respiratory problems and a doctor’s advice to avoid dust and smoke when requesting work-from-home in late November.
- The petition sought mandatory GRAP compliance inside the office, an inspection of the premises, and remote work until indoor air was certified safe, which the court declined to order.
- While denying a mandamus on work arrangements, the court said Verma may seek a transfer out of Delhi on medical grounds, with the employer asked to consider the request favorably.