Lawsuit Overview and Initial Ruling In a recent legal battle before the Abu Dhabi Court of Appeal for Family, Civil, and Administrative Claims, a former employee of a bank sought compensation totaling five million dirhams for wrongful dismissal and the denial of an experience certificate.
Abu Dhabi Court's Ruling on Compensation Claim
Lawsuit Synopsis and Initial Verdict A former bank employee, in a recent legal dispute before the Abu Dhabi Court of Appeal for Family, Civil, and Administrative Claims, sought compensation amounting to five million dirhams for his dismissal and the withholding of an experience certificate. Alleging unjust termination in April 2022, the plaintiff claimed he had not received his due bonuses and compensation after four years of service.
Furthermore, the bank's refusal to issue an experience certificate impeded his ability to secure alternative employment, resulting in reputational damage and significant financial and emotional harm.
Initially, the first instance court dismissed the case, citing a previous ruling in a labor lawsuit. This precedent barred the plaintiff from initiating a new lawsuit on similar grounds, as the labor judiciary had previously addressed comparable claims.
The Appellate Court's Verdict and Justification
The Appellate Court's Verdict and Justification Dissatisfied with the initial judgment, the plaintiff filed an appeal, arguing that the court had failed to distinguish between the present case and his earlier labor dispute. He contended that his compensation claim stemmed from contractual and tort liability, particularly emphasizing the bank's failure to honor owed bonuses.
Upon thorough review, the Abu Dhabi Court of Appeal acknowledged the plaintiff's argument and identified flaws in the lower court's decision. While the labor judiciary had previously considered the plaintiff's claims regarding damages resulting from his dismissal, it had neglected to address the matter of the experience certificate. This oversight, according to the Appellate Court, constituted a violation of legal principles and necessitated reconsideration.
Ultimately, the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the plaintiff, overturning the initial verdict and remanding the case to the Court of First Instance. It instructed the lower court to meticulously examine the plaintiff's request for compensation concerning the experience certificate and to address all other relevant issues. Additionally, the appellant was directed to bear the expenses incurred during the legal proceedings.
The Abu Dhabi Court of Appeal's ruling underscores a meticulous evaluation of the plaintiff's claims and a commitment to upholding legal integrity. By rectifying the errors of the lower court and ensuring a fair hearing, the Court of Appeal reaffirmed the significance of justice and accountability in legal proceedings.
