SUNNY V.V. Vs. CHANDRASENAN E.T.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners are aggrieved by the transfer of petitioners 1 and 2 from Region No.4 (Moovattupuzha) of the first respondent Bank (in short "Bank") to Kattappana and Irumbupalam branches, respectively.

(2.) It is the case of the petitioners 1 and 2 that they are ex-servicemen. After their retirement, they joined the Bank as sub-staff (Armed Guard) in Region No.4. The 3rd petitioner is an Association of Bank employees.

(3.) According to them, Ext P2 HR hand book lays down the guidelines for the transfer and posting of the employees of the Bank. In respect of Armed Guards, the handbook prohibits the transfer of persons who have crossed the age of 55 years, until their retirement. The first petitioner has crossed the age of 55 years. Clause 8.2 of the handbook stipulates that the employees who have crossed the age of 55 years will be exempted from redeployment outside the Centre (Municipality and Panchayath). However, they can be transferred within the Centre up to the age of 57 years. As per clause 8.2.1, redeployment within the Centre will be on the basis of length of stay at the particular branch and would be on the basis of "first come first go". The Bank is attempting to transfer the first petitioner to Kattappana from Ambalmedu, which is 135 kms from the present Centre, that too on the high ranges, and the second petitioner to Irumbupalam, which is 75 kms from the present Centre.