In Brief
Two employees of the Tamil Nadu District Treasury were dismissed for admitting and sanctioning over 90 and 105 bogus bills respectively, involving misappropriation of approximately Rs 45-52 lakhs each. The High Court had reduced their punishment to stoppage of increments, citing parity with other employees given lighter sentences. The Supreme Court held that parity cannot apply when the gravity of misconduct and quantum of loss differ materially. The Court set aside the High Court judgment and remanded the case for fresh consideration, emphasizing that disciplinary authorities have discretion in determining punishment proportionate to the severity of established charges."
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