The Supreme Court has directed Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to pay ₹12 lakh compensation to a woman who was denied employment at its LPG bottling plant after her candidature was allegedly rejected because she was a woman. The Court passed the order after noting that she had since reached the age of retirement.
A bench of Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi considered the dispute on September 17, 2026.
Background
The woman was among 49 persons recommended by a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner for employment at IOCL's LPG Bottling Plant in Gudha. She appeared for an interview for the post of casual khalasi, peon or refilling helper. While 43 candidates received appointment letters, she was not appointed.
The Trial Court found that she satisfied the prescribed eligibility conditions and relied on defence evidence indicating that her candidature was not accepted because she was a woman. It directed her absorption in a suitable casual or administrative post.
The First Appellate Court later reversed that decision, holding that her name had only been recommended and that she had not been selected. The Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld that view on October 14, 2025.
During the hearing, IOCL's counsel submitted that the recommendation was not binding and suggested that the work involved lifting LPG cylinders and night shifts.
Justice Aravind Kumar questioned whether her appointment had been denied simply because she was a woman.
"You denied her appointment just because she is a lady? This is disrespect to womanhood. She has now attained superannuation, but she has been prosecuting her right throughout. Award her lump-sum compensation."
The Bench also questioned the assumption that women could not perform work involving LPG cylinders. IOCL's request to refer the dispute to mediation was declined.
Since the woman had already reached retirement age, the Supreme Court did not direct her appointment. Instead, it ordered Indian Oil Corporation Limited to pay ₹12 lakh as lump-sum compensation in the circumstances of the case.
Case Details:
Case Title: Sumitra v. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
Case Number: SLP(C) No. 19874/2026
Judges: Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi
Decision Date: September 17, 2026
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