‘Overpaid’ ministry employee acquitted

A public servant, who was “mistakenly” paid over BD7,500 by the ministry he worked for, was recently exempted by the court from returning the amount. This came on Sunday when the High Administrative Court rejected a lawsuit filed by the ministry against the man, stating that it was unjust from his part to receive the money, which was given to him while on a long sick leave (477 days).

The ministry argued that BD7,564 was paid to the man during the leave, but it was later learnt that the procedure was contrary with Law Decree No 48/2010 Promulgating Civil Service Law and Decision No 51/2012 Promulgating the Executive Regulations of Civil Service.

According to court files, the ministry was apparently notified about the violation by the National Audit Office, making the employee entitled of paying the full amount back to the ministry. However, the court rejected the lawsuit and acquitted the employee, as no evidence of fraudulent or cheating to acquire the money was provided by the plaintiff, the ministry. The court also ordered the ministry to pay his court fees.