Administrative Tribunal Cannot Alter Punishment Unless It Records That Dismissal Was Disproportionate To Charges Levelled: Karnataka HC

The Karnataka High Court ruled that the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal cannot alter the punishment of dismissal unless it records that the dismissal was disproportionate to the charges leveled. The court set aside the tribunal’s order that modified the punishment of dismissal to compulsory retirement for a former typist who accepted a bribe. The court emphasized that the tribunal must record a finding that the punishment is excessive compared to the gravity of the charge before substituting it. The ruling underscores the importance of proportionality in disciplinary actions and the tribunal’s limited jurisdiction in altering punishments.