M.R.GANGADHARAN Vs. THE GENERAL MANAGER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Interference declined by the learned single Judge holding that there was absolutely no merit or basis with regard to the alleged violation of the principles of natural justice in not permitting the petitioner to avail the assistance of a person of his choice to represent him in the domestic enquiry proceedings, is sought to be challenged by the writ petitioner in this appeal.

(2.) Heard the learned counsel for the appellant as well as the learned Standing Counsel for the respondent Bank

(3.) The appellant was working as Assistant Manager in the respondent Bank. Disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him, alleging certain misconducts. The appellant sought for permission to avail the assistance of a legally trained man, which was never acceded to. The Bank informed the appellant that he was free to avail the service of a co-worker to participate in the enquiry. The contention of the appellant is that he had retired from the service on attaining the age of superannuation and as such, he was not in a position to avail the service of a 'co-worker' and that he might be permitted to avail the service of a 'retired employee'. Though a submission was made in this regard before the Bank, the request was not acceded to, which made the petitioner to approach this Court by filing the writ petition with the following prayers: