CAT refuses to give relief to 'drunk' Delhi Police constable

The Central Administrative Tribunal has refused to interfere with the decision of the Delhi Police which forfeited two years of service of a constable for fighting with his colleagues allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

The Central Administrative Tribunal has refused to interfere with the decision of the Delhi Police which forfeited two years of service of a constable for fighting with his colleagues allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

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"The applicant and constable Sujender Singh fought with each other in full public view at the picket lowering the prestige of Delhi Police and in clear manifestation of indiscipline," the Tribunal bench, comprising Members Shanker Raju and S P Singh, said.

It passed the order on a petition of constable Ashok Kumar seeking to quash the disciplinary committee's order forfeiting his two years of approved service and imposing reduction of pay for indiscipline.

The Tribunal rejected the contention of Kumar, saying that there was no violation of the procedural provisions during the inquiry into the incident.

"Procedural provisions laid down under Delhi Police (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1980 were strictly followed at all stages and adequate opportunity was given to the delinquent official," it said while dismissing his petition.

The Tribunal held that procedural provisions are generally meant for affording a reasonable and adequate opportunity to the delinquent employee.

"Violation of any procedural provision cannot be said to be automatically vitiate the enquiry held and order passed. If no prejudice is established to have resulted therefrom, no interference is called for," it said.