SUBIR KU LODH Vs. STATE BANK OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The challenge in this petition is two orders Annexure P/2 and Annexure P/3, both dated 24.12.2001. Challenge also is to the order Annexure P/1 whereby the appeal against the two punishment orders have been decided by a common order dated 06.01.2003.

(2.) Vide Annexure P/2, the petitioner has been inflicted with punishment of withholding of two increments with cumulative effect. In addition of his brought down by two stages, there was also a punishment of withholding of his agriculture allowance paid to him. Vide Annexure P/3, the petitioner was inflicted with punishment of stoppage of two annual increments with cumulative effect.

(3.) The case of the petitioner is that, the petitioner while working as Extension Officer at Gogawa Branch of erstwhile State Bank of Indore (subsequently merged to the State Bank of India) in district Khandwa is said to have committed certain irregularities in the course of discharging his duties. The petitioner was served with charge sheet on 11.07.1996 (Annexure P/8) for the charges when he was posted at Gogawa Branch which falls under district Khandwa (MP). The petitioner replied to the said charge sheet categorically denying all the charges and thereafter the respondents decided to conduct a departmental enquiry and after conclusion of enquiry, an enquiry report so far as charge sheet dated 11.07.1996 was submitted.