Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT Held or Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµDT Pronouncements
Noting that an appeal against an interlocutory order would only be receivable in instances when it is clear and manifest that Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµDT exceeded its jurisdiction or competence, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT actually rejected the Secretary-General¡¯s appeal on the basis that it was moot. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT noted that Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµDT had since disposed of the underlying case by Order No. 169; (NBI/2020) because the former staff never filed an application with the tribunal, even after being granted an extension.
Decision Contested or Judgment/Order Appealed
One day after the deadline to file an application, a former staff member filed a motion with Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµDT seeking an extension of time, citing COVID-19 disruptions as his reason for his failure to submit a timely application. By Order No. 103 (NBI/2020), Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµDT granted the extension so the staff member can file an application challenging his dismissal for misconduct. The Secretary-General appealed the interlocutory order arguing that Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµDT exceeded its jurisdiction by granting the motion, even though it was filed after the application deadline.
Legal Principle(s)
In the event a case has been disposed by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµDT as a result of the failure of a staff member to file an application, after being granted an extension of time to do so, an appeal by the Secretary-General against the related interlocutory order granting such extension will be found moot and not receivable. Also, an appeal against an interlocutory order is receivable only in limited instances when it is clear and manifest that the Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµDT has exceeded its jurisdiction or competence.
Outcome
Outcome Extra Text
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµAT dismissed the Secretary-General¡¯s appeal as moot.