Dismissal--Sole Reliance on Uncross-Examined Handwriting Expert Report Without Considering Other Identification Materials Violates Principles of Natural Justice
Dismissal of an employee based solely on a handwriting expert's opinion, without affording opportunity to cross-examine the expert, violates principles of natural justice. Admission of the authenticity of a document does not amount to admission of the correctness of its contents or the accuracy of expert conclusions drawn therefrom. Where other identification materials — such as photographs, thumb impressions, and signatures — exist and remain unexamined, reliance on handwriting analysis alone renders disciplinary proceedings unfair and legally unsustainable.
