UNION OF INDIA vs K.A. KITTU

The Supreme Court upheld the Central Administrative Tribunal's decision regarding the respondent's suspension and penalty of 50% reduction in pension, finding that the respondent, while serving as Cardamom Settlement Officer, acted without jurisdiction in sanctioning the felling of trees, violating the Cardamom Lease Rules, 1961. The Court emphasized that the respondent's actions were in collusion with others and bypassed the statutory authority, thus justifying the disciplinary action taken against him. The appeal by the Union of India was dismissed, affirming the Tribunal's ruling.