RAJIV SAXENA Vs. CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER & ORS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) For the reasons stated in the application, the delay in filing the appeal is condoned and the application is disposed of. LPA 291/2018 & CM APPL. 21233/2018

(2.) The challenge in this appeal is to an order dated 9th March 2018 passed by a learned Single Judge of this Court dismissing the W.P.(C) 2156/2018 whereby the Appellant sought to challenge the order No. ZO:ND:ZVD:17 dated 30th July 2016 passed by the Disciplinary Authority of the Bank of Baroda ("respondent-Bank") imposing the penalty of compulsory retirement on the Appellant consequent to the findings returned by the Inquiry Officer.

(3.) The inquiry against the Appellant was for as many as seven charges. Inter alia the charges were that he had not discharged his duties with devotion and diligence and "took such actions and committed such omissions which showed lack of care, caution, or reasonable judgment and were grossly negligent in nature". In an elaborate order dated 30th July 2016, the Disciplinary Authority discussed in detail the findings in the Inquiry Report and concluded that the Appellant "did reckless financing", "did not care for the rules and procedures of the Bank", "misused his position" and ultimately concluded that his acts were "unbecoming of an officer". The Disciplinary Authority held that the ends of justice would be met by inflicting upon the Appellant the punishment of compulsory retirement.