STATE BANK OF PATIALA Vs. ROMESH CHANDER KANOJI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Leave granted.

(2.) The question in these appeals concerns determination of the scope of the judgment of this Court in the case of Bank of India and Ors. vs. O. P. Swarnakar and Ors., reported in (2003) 2 SCC 721, as also the judgment of this Court in the case of State Bank of Patiala vs. Jagga Singh, decided on 13-3-2003 in Civil Appeal No. 2341 of 2003.

(3.) The dispute lies within a narrow compass. State Bank of Patiala, subsidiary of State Bank of India, issued a Circular No. PER/VRS/48, dated 20th January, 2001 publishing their Voluntary Retirement Scheme (hereinafter referred to as the SBPVRS) drawn up in the light of the guidelines issued by the Indian Bank Association. The object of the SBPVRS inter alia was to downsize the existing strength of the employees and to increase profitability. The scheme was to open on February 15, 2001 and it was to close on 1st March, 2001 (inclusive of both days). The applications under the SBPVRS were to be accepted during the period when the scheme was to remain open between 15th February, 2001 to 1st March, 2001. Clauses (5), (8) and (9)(i) of the Scheme are relevant for the purpose of deciding this matter and accordingly, they are quoted hereinbelow :-