Rishi Prakash Aggarwal v Scanad (Scan Group) Kenya Ltd [2020] eKLR Case Summary

Explore the case summary of Rishi Prakash Aggarwal v Scanad (Scan Group) Kenya Ltd [2020] eKLR, highlighting key legal principles and outcomes in this significant judgment.

Case Brief: Rishi Prakash Aggarwal v Scanad (Scan Group) Kenya Ltd [2020] eKLR

1. Case Information:
- Name of the Case: Rishi Prakash Aggarwal v. Scanad (Scan Group) Kenya Ltd
- Case Number: Petition No. 108 of 2020
- Court: Employment and Labour Relations Court at Nairobi
- Date Delivered: October 16, 2020
- Category of Law: Civil
- Judge(s): Hon. Justice Radido Stephen
- Country: Kenya

2. Questions Presented:
The court must resolve several central legal issues, including:
1. Whether the Respondent's refusal to renew the Petitioner’s work permit and subsequent termination of his contract amounted to discrimination and unfair treatment.
2. Whether the termination complied with procedural and substantive fairness as required under the Employment Act.
3. Whether the Petitioner followed the correct legal procedures in filing the Petition.

3. Facts of the Case:
The Petitioner, Rishi Prakash Aggarwal, a citizen of India, was employed as the Executive Creative Head by Scanad (Scan Group) Kenya Ltd. He relocated to Kenya in July 2014. His work permit was set to expire on July 21, 2020. On May 7, 2020, he was asked for a Tax Compliance Certificate to renew his work permit. However, on June 2, 2020, he was informed via email that his contract would not be renewed due to the impending expiration of his work permit. The Petitioner alleged that his rights to equality, dignity, and fair labor practices were violated, prompting him to file a Petition in court.

4. Procedural History:
The Petitioner filed a Motion alongside the Petition seeking urgent interim orders. The court directed the Respondent to respond within seven days and preserved the Petitioner’s employment pending a hearing. On August 3, 2020, the Respondent submitted a replying affidavit. The court allowed further affidavits and submissions from both parties, leading to the identification of several legal issues by both sides for resolution.

5. Analysis:
Rules:
The court primarily examined the Employment Act, 2007, and the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, particularly focusing on sections regarding termination of employment, work permits, and fair administrative action.

Case Law:
The court referenced previous cases, including *Philp Ateng Oguk & 27 Ors v Westmont Power Kenya Ltd & Ar (2015) eKLR* and *Donald Oricho v National Vision Party & 2 Ors (2014) eKLR*, to illustrate the treatment of employment relationships and the significance of legal entities in workplace disputes.

Application:
The court found that the Respondent had complied with the procedural requirements of the Employment Act, as the Petitioner was given notice and compensation in lieu of notice. The Respondent’s justification for termination—linked to the expiration of the work permit—was deemed valid, as the Petitioner’s employment was contingent on the permit. The court also ruled that the Petitioner failed to substantiate claims of discrimination and harassment.

6. Conclusion:
The court dismissed the Petition, concluding that the Respondent acted within its rights in terminating the Petitioner’s employment due to the expiration of his work permit. The court emphasized that the termination was not based on disciplinary grounds, thus each party was ordered to bear its own costs.

7. Dissent:
There were no dissenting opinions noted in the judgment.

8. Summary:
The Employment and Labour Relations Court dismissed Rishi Prakash Aggarwal's Petition against Scanad (Scan Group) Kenya Ltd, ruling that the termination of his employment was justified due to the expiration of his work permit and did not violate his rights. The decision underscores the importance of compliance with immigration laws in employment matters and clarifies the standards for procedural and substantive fairness in termination cases.