Jailer’s Challenge To Punishment Over Rs 5,000 Bribe Allegation Sent Back For Fresh Tribunal Hearing, Karnataka HC Says Grounds Were Ignored

The petitioner, a jailer, faced departmental proceedings after a television news broadcast alleged that he had demanded a bribe of ₹5,000.

The Enquiry Officer found the charges proved, and the disciplinary authority imposed a penalty; the appellate authority dismissed his appeal.

The petitioner challenged the disciplinary and appellate orders before the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal (KSAT), which dismissed his application on 14 February 2025.

He then sought certiorari from the High Court, arguing that the Tribunal had not given adequate reasons or considered his grounds.

The High Court applied the principle that a tribunal must give reasons for its decision and consider the material grounds raised by the parties; an order that does neither may be set aside for want of application of mind.

The petition was brought under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution.

The Tribunal’s reference to the preponderance-of-probabilities standard in disciplinary proceedings appeared in its order, but the High Court did not decide the merits of the disciplinary findings.

The High Court reviewed the Tribunal’s order and found that it stated, in general terms, that the charges were supported by material and that the disciplinary and appellate authorities had considered the evidence.

It did not, however, address the several grounds raised by the petitioner.

The High Court therefore held that the Tribunal’s order lacked adequate reasons and demonstrated no proper consideration of those grounds.

It did not assess the merits of the disciplinary proceedings.

It directed the KSAT to hear the matter and issue a detailed order in accordance with law.

The parties were directed to appear before the KSAT, Kalaburagi, on 30 November 2026; all contentions remained open, and the High Court made no determination on the merits.