Delhi High Court Slams CAT for Questioning Litigant’s Mental Stability and Denying Counsel

The Delhi High Court recently set aside an order by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) that cast doubts on the mental health of a senior scientist from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

A Division Bench of Justices C Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla observed that judicial bodies must exercise restraint, as adverse remarks can have lasting "socio-personal effects."

The Court found it "most unfortunate" that the Tribunal suggested a medical examination for mental disability and refused the petitioner's request to engage a lawyer.

The matter has been remanded to the CAT for a fresh decision on merits within three months.

[D.C. Mishra v. UOI & Ors.]