Supreme Court Critiques Centre for Frivolous Appeal Costs Imposed

The Supreme Court imposed costs on the Centre for contesting a Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling that overturned a CISF official's dismissal as disproportionate. The court granted the official back wages, criticizing the Centre for aggravating legal backlogs through unwarranted appeals.

The Supreme Court has rebuked the Centre for engaging in what it described as unnecessary litigation, imposing a fine of Rs 25,000 for challenging a ruling by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The initial ruling set aside the dismissal of a CISF official, a decision the apex court upheld, acknowledging it as disproportionate.

The bench, including Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan, granted the official back wages, questioning the Centre's rationale for prolonging the legal process. "We fail to understand why the Union of India challenged the high court verdict," stated Justice Nagarathna, highlighting an ongoing issue with legal backlogs exacerbated by government actions.

The official was initially dismissed due to absence and an alleged act of indiscipline involving elopement within his family. However, the High Court found these charges unsubstantial, noting the official had sanctioned medical leave and the involved woman confirmed there was no misconduct. These findings led to reconsideration by the Supreme Court, which decided not to engage further in the matter.

(With inputs from agencies.)