Section 17 of ATA : Section 17: Power To Punish For Contempt

Explanation using Example

Imagine an employee of a government department is unhappy with a decision regarding their employment and decides to challenge it by filing a case with the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). During the proceedings, the employee becomes frustrated and begins to make derogatory comments about the Tribunal and its members on social media. This behavior could be seen as an attempt to undermine the authority and dignity of the Tribunal.

In response to this conduct, the CAT decides to initiate contempt proceedings against the employee under Section 17 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985. The Tribunal exercises the same powers as a High Court in dealing with contempt cases. The employee is then required to appear before the Tribunal to answer for their actions, just as they would if they had committed contempt of a High Court.