D C AGGARWAL Vs. STATE BANK OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These two appeals arise between the same parties and are interconnected. Hence, they can be disposed of by a common judgment.

(2.) The appellants are the legal representatives of one D.C. Aggarwal, an erstwhile employee of the respondent-State Bank of India, who have brought these appeals claiming : (a) the benefits of an extension in service of the said D.C. Aggarwal up to the age of sixty years; and (b) the benefits arising out of notional promotion which ought to have been granted to the said employee, etc. For the purpose of convenience, the said D.C. Aggarwal shall be referred to as "the appellant" in the course of our judgment. Background to the Promotion Issue

(3.) The appellant joined the respondent-Bank as Probationary Officer on 15-1-1960. He got repeated promotions during the period 1960-1980, reaching all the way to Top Executive Grade Scale VI (hereinafter "TEGS VI") as a Deputy General Manager on 27-7-1980. On 4-1-1981, the appellant was posted as Deputy General Manager of the respondent-Bank at Chandigarh and was put in charge of the respondent-Banks branches in the State of Haryana and in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. On 8-7-1981, the appellants explanation was called for in respect of some irregularities pertaining to his work. He gave an explanation, which was not acceptable to the respondent-Bank and on 11-7-1981, he was placed under suspension. The respondent- bank conducted an inquiry and the investigating officials held an ex parte inquiry. The appellant challenged the investigation and the matter ultimately landed up in this Court. This Court disposed of the matter by a direction that the Central Vigilance Commission appoint an inquiry officer who would re-open the inquiry from the stage it was closed. Further directions were given so as to enable the parties to lead evidence and to ensure that the inquiry was conducted expeditiously.