Moral Turpitude As Proved In Enquiry Would Justify Forfeiture Of Gratuity.

A employee who forged his educational qualification certificate during his tenure its found forged also he forged higher official signature during enquiry proceedings given ample oppurtunity and found proved his quilty. Hence Moral turpitude as proved would justify forfeiture of gratuity?.

In my opinion the provisions for forfeiture of Gratuity is allowed in case the employee is indulged in riotous and disorderly behavior and not in case of moral turpitude.
Rgds

The provision is as below :

Section 4(6) provides as under:-

“Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1)

(a) The gratuity of an employee, whose services have been terminated for any act, willful

omission or negligence causing any damage or loss to, or destruction of, property

belonging to the employer, shall be forfeited to the extent of the damage or loss so caused;

(b) The gratuity payable to an employee may be wholly or partially forfeited;

i) if the services of such employee have been terminated for his riotous or disorderly

conduct or any other act of violence on his part, or

ii) if the services of such employee have been terminated for any act which constitutes an

offence involving moral turpitude, provided that such offence is committed by him in the

course of his employment.”

So, yes, he can be terminated for moral turpitude.

There are lots of judgements that are there on this, you need to review them and ensure that your case falls under the guidelines given by the court. Check the link below.

gratuity can be forfeited

Gratuity can be forfeited if,
(a) The gratuity of an employee, whose services have been terminated for any act, willful omission or negligence causing any damage or loss to, or destruction of, property belonging to the employer SHALL BE FORFEITED TO THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE OR LOSS SO CAUSED;
(b) The gratuity payable to an employee may be wholly or partially forfeited—
(i) if the services of such employee have been terminated for his riotous or disorderly conduct or any other act of violence on his part, or
(ii) if the services of such employee have been terminated for any act which constitutes an offence involving moral turpitude, provided that such offence is committed by him in the course of his employment.
Theft, Misappropriation and Deceit are legally recognised to have moral turpitude thus they will form ground for avoidance of gratuity.
See this for more Indian Labour Laws & Shram Suvidha Simplified