Non-Citizens Cannot Be Terminated Solely on Grounds of Nationality: Madras High Court Grants Relief to Sri Lankan Refugee

The Madras High Court ruled that non-citizens, including registered Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, are entitled to protection under Article 14 against arbitrary State action. Quashing SBI’s termination of a refugee employee, the Court held that nationality alone cannot justify removal from service when the appointment was lawful and non-fraudulent.