New Delhi:
Slamming senior government officers for their arrogant attitude towards their employees, the Supreme Court has said, "People in power and authority should not easily lose equanimity, composure and appreciation for the problems of lesser mortals. Arrogance and vanity have no place in discharge of their official functions and duties."
The court has also ordered the Centre to pay Rs. 50,000 to a constable who was sacked by The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The constable was forced to retire in 1995 for lying about his date of birth when he joined the force. He wrote a letter to his senior, asking him to reconsider because he has five daughters who are dependent on him.
The CRPF decided to treat the constable's letter as a formal appeal and dismissed him from service, which meant he would not be entitled to any pension.
Shocked by the CRPF's callousness, the court has ordered that the constable be trearted as someone who was forced to retire. In addition to his pension, the constable will get Rs 50,000 as a one-time benefit and 9 per cent interest for the months that have passed since he was sacked.
The court added, "We hope and trust that senior officials in future would not be totally oblivious of the problems of the humble and modest employees."