Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT Held or Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµDT Pronouncements
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT considered an appeal by the Secretary-General. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT held that in such a case, where the material facts were not in dispute, no additional investigation was required to establish the misconduct. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT held that Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµDT erred in law in finding that the investigative and disciplinary process had not been properly conducted and that Mr Ainte¡¯s due process rights had been violated by the absence of an official investigation. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT held that Mr Ainte had not demonstrated that the Secretary-General failed in any other way to observe his due process rights. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT held that the Secretary-General was correct in deciding that the established facts amounted to misconduct. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT held that, in certifying his Personal History Profile, Mr. Ainte took responsibility for its veracity and that he was aware any misrepresentation or material omission could result in disciplinary action. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT held that Mr Ainte could not argue that he was unaware of the gravity with which the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ treats false applications. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT held that Mr Ainte should have completed the form himself or, at the very least, checked it carefully. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT rejected Mr Ainte¡¯s claim that the termination was disproportionate. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT held that the Secretary-General had the discretion to determine the appropriate level of sanction and that termination of a senior official for the very serious misconduct of submitting a false document was not absurd, unlawful, or otherwise disproportionate. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT held that it would not interfere with the legal exercise of that discretion. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT held that the principle of double jeopardy is a principle of criminal law and was not applicable to the case. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT allowed the appeal and vacated the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµDT judgment.
Decision Contested or Judgment/Order Appealed
The Applicant contested the decision to impose upon him the disciplinary measure of separation from service with compensation in lieu of notice and termination indemnity for misconduct in the form of misrepresentation of his educational qualifications. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµDT found for the Applicant.
Legal Principle(s)
The principle of double jeopardy is a principle of criminal law that is not applicable to disciplinary cases.