SRIKANTH R BIRAJDAR Vs. CHAIRMAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE case of the petitioner is that he joined the services of the respondent No.1 -Bank as a Junior Clerk on 12.11.1982. He was confirmed in service with effect from 12.11.1983. He was promoted as a Senior Clerk with effect from 01.03.1987. That Clerks and Cashiers are categorized as Group -B posts. The next promotion is to the post of the Officer Junior Grade Scale -I. It is categorized as Group -A post. The elevation from Group -B to Group -A is through internal promotion based on seniority -cummerit and the relevant reservation to the Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe. The seniority list of clerks vide Annexure -B would indicate that the petitioner is placed at Sl.No.21 and the respondent No.2 at Sl.No.38 and the other respondents much thereafter. The respondent -bank issued a staff circular dated 02.02.2005 with regard to conducting of written test for the purpose of promotion to the post of Officer JMGS -I (Group -A). The test was conducted.

(2.) W .P.No.3889/2007 is filed by yet another candidate. His name can be found at Sl.No.9 in the list vide Annexure -D. The contentions urged are similar to the contentions urged in W.P.No.18207/2006. The counsel appearing for both the petitioners is the same. Therefore, he pleads that he may be permitted to address common arguments in both the petitions. The counsel for the respondent has no objection for the same.

(3.) LEARNED counsel for the petitioner contends that the process of selection is erroneous. That in terms of Annexure -B which is the methodology for the promotion he contends that the same has been violated. He places reliance on Annexure -C wherein item No.VIII is with reference to the selection process. That the selection shall be made on the basis of performance in the written test, interview and five years performance appraisal reports which shall carry 70, 20 and 10 marks respectively. That so far as the written test is concerned, the candidates who scored a minimum of 40% marks in English, Banking Law, Practice and procedures shall be prepared. The bank shall thereafter prepare the list of selected candidates in the order of seniority to the extent of 200% of the vacancies for promotion for the purpose of calling for interview.