In Brief
Two public employees, working as Superintendent and Accountant in the District Treasury at Salem, were dismissed for their role in admitting and sanctioning forged bills that led to misappropriation of Rs. 1.22 crores involving 257 bogus bills. The High Court reduced their punishment to stoppage of increments, citing parity with other similarly-charged staff who received lenient penalties. The Supreme Court held that while courts may interfere if punishment is shockingly disproportionate, parity cannot apply where misconduct differs materially in gravity and quantum. The case was remanded to the High Court for fresh consideration on other grounds of challenge, directing expeditious disposal within six months."
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