PRANESH BISWAS Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) There is inordinate delay in seeking to prefer an Appeal late in the year 2023 against an Order of June 6, 2017.

(2.) However, considering the pandemic in the interregnum and the fact that the Appellant feels deprived of the dues that he claims are owed to him by his erstwhile Employer, the grounds for delay are found to be sufficient for the delay to be condoned and the Appeal to be taken up for consideration on merits.

(3.) The Appellant was an Employee of the State Bank of India. During the period that the Appellant was posted as the Branch Manager at Songsak Branch of State Bank between June 11, 2004 and March 19, 2005, it was alleged that he had committed gross irregularities in the issue and payment of deposits and in allowing advances. The Employer instituted Disciplinary proceedings on account of defalcation, irregularities and non-adherence to the Bank's rules. It is not necessary to go into the specific charges or the findings rendered by the Inquiry Officer. All that needs to be noticed is that by an Order, dated August 8, 2007, the Appellant was dismissed from service in terms of Rule 67(j) of the SBIOSR, which appears to be a set of rules applicable to Senior Officers of the Bank. During the period of the Disciplinary proceedings, the Appellant was under suspension.