CAT Rules Boss’s WhatsApp ‘OK’ Does Not Automatically Approve Leave, Dismisses Railway Employee’s Transfer Plea

Allahabad, October 22, 2026: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has dismissed a transfer plea by North Central Railway employee Priya Ranjan Kumar, ruling that a senior officer's 'OK' response on WhatsApp does not automatically validate a leave request. The Tribunal also clarified that a transfer cannot be viewed as punishment merely because disciplinary proceedings have been initiated.

In October 2025, Kumar took three days of leave and later requested two more days through WhatsApp, claiming that Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Himanshu Shukla approved the request with a 'OK' reply. However, upon his return, he was suspended and transferred to Fatehpur, with a disciplinary charge-sheet issued. Kumar contested the transfer, arguing it was punitive, but the Railways maintained it was for administrative reasons, citing the construction of a new entry and booking office at Fatehpur Station.

The Tribunal accepted the administrative reason and found the WhatsApp message insufficient to prove official leave sanction. Judicial Member Rajnish Kumar Rai emphasized that an informal 'OK' response cannot alone confirm leave approval. The ruling stresses the need to differentiate between administrative transfers and punitive actions, particularly when disciplinary proceedings are involved.

Kumar's case was represented by Advocate Rakesh Kumar Dixit, while Advocate Anil Kumar argued on behalf of the Railways.