CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR Vs. SHRI KISHORE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard.

(2.) Rule. Rule made returnable forthwith. The writ petition is heard finally with the consent of the learned counsel for the rival parties.

(3.) The petitioners are officials of the Bank of Maharashtra. The respondent No.1 was an employee of the said Bank and hence, the petitioners are being referred to collectively as the petitioner-employer. The respondent Nos.2 and 3 are formal parties, being the Appellate and Controlling Authorities under the provisions of the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 (hereinafter referred to "Act of 1972").