Case Note & Summary
The case involved an appeal against a contempt order issued by the Madras Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal. The appellant, N. Sumathi, was found guilty of contempt for violating a status quo order dated 12.12.2000 and was directed to pay a fine of Rupees two thousand five hundred or face simple imprisonment for two weeks. The appellant submitted two affidavits dated 29.3.2001 and 25.4.2001, tendering an unqualified apology, which the Tribunal did not accept. The Supreme Court reviewed the affidavits and determined that the Tribunal should have accepted the apology given the circumstances of the case. Consequently, the Supreme Court allowed the appeal, set aside the Tribunal's order, and accepted the appellant's apology, imposing no costs.
Headnote
A) Contempt of Court - Acceptance of Apology - Tribunal's Discretion - Contempt proceedings were initiated against the appellant for violating a status quo order. The Supreme Court found that the Tribunal should have accepted the unqualified apology tendered by the appellant and dropped the contempt proceedings. Held that the appeal was allowed and the impugned order was set aside (Paras Not mentioned).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the Tribunal should have accepted the unqualified apology tendered by the appellant.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, set aside the impugned order of the Tribunal, and accepted the unqualified apology tendered by the appellant.
Law Points
- Contempt of Court
- Apology
- Status Quo Order
