The Delhi high court has ruled that tainted government officials cannot escape the clutches of law after retirement and could be punished if found guilty. The court said that corruption should be accountable at all stages and officials involved in it should face the consequences.
A division bench comprising Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and Justice Mool Chand Garg upheld the Centre’s decision to deduct 50 per cent pension of one H.L. Gulati, who retired as a senior accounts officer in the ministry of defence. “The charges proved against the respondent [Gulati] indeed show that his conduct tantamounts to unlawful behaviour by a public servant in relation to his duties wilfully. Thus, he is certainly guilty of committing misconduct in his office. Looking at the amount involved, it can certainly be said to be a case of grave misconduct,” the division bench observed in its judgement.
The HC was hearing the Union of India’s plea against a Central Administrative Tribunal order, which quashed its decision of deducting Gulati’s pension.
Upholding the Centre’s decision to deduct pension of Gulati, the HC said, “The order passed by the tribunal is not sustainable in law.”
Jyoti Singh, the lawyer of the Union of India, argued before the court that Gulati had allegedly made payment to 36 fraudulent claims to various persons the tune of `42.24 lakhs approximately.