DEBASHISH ROY Vs. UNITED BANK OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By way of this petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, petitioner seeks quashing of impugned Annexure-II circular dated 10-05-2012 as well as the selection of respondents 5 to 49 based on the said circular for promotion from Senior Management Grade Scale IV to Senior Management Grade Scale V in the United Bank of India. Petitioner further seeks issuance of a writ of mandamus to promote him from Senior Management Grade Scale IV to Senior Management Grade Scale V by holding fresh selection.

(2.) Case of the petitioner is that he had joined the United Bank of India (Bank), a public sector bank as Probationary Officer in December, 1985. He has risen through the ranks and is now serving as Senior Management Grade Scale IV to which grade he was promoted on 24-12-2009. Next promotion due is to Senior Management Grade Scale V i.e. the cadre of Assistant General Manager.

(3.) As per the revised promotion policy of the Bank vide circular dated 09-02-2012, promotion from Senior Management Grade Scale IV to Scale V is through the merit channel for which applications are invited from the eligible officers to participate in the promotion exercise. Minimum experience required is three years of service in the scale below i.e., in Scale IV, which is relaxable upto a maximum limit of one year by the Board of Directors of the Bank. Overall length of service required is twelve years. It will be mandatory to pass an examination test for computer literacy and computer knowledge. There shall be group discussion to assess the communication, conceptual and leadership capabilities of the candidates for such promotion. For such promotion, the eligible candidates are required to be called for interview in order of seniority, the zone of consideration being in the ratio of 1:3 which may be increased to 1:4 if required number of suitable persons are not available. Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) of last three years would be considered. APAR would carry 50 marks whereas interview including group discussion would be of 50 marks, total 100.