SUNIL MISRA Vs. STATE BANK OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. P.K. Tiwari, learned senior counsel for the petitioner. Also heard Mr. S.S. Sharma, learned senior counsel for the State Bank of India.

(2.) The petitioner has been serving in the grade of Junior Management Grade Scale- 1 (JMGS-I) in the respondent State Bank of India since his initial appointment on 12.08.2008. As per the circular dated 31.05.2013, a process was initiated for selection of the officers for promotion to various grades, which amongst others also included promotion from JMGS-I to MMGS-II, which indicates to be middle management Grade Scale II. The said promotion as per the circular dated 31.05.2013 was contemplated for the year 2013-2014. As per the said circular, 618 vacancies were indicated in the merit channel for the year 2013-2014 and 206 vacancies were indicated in seniority cum merit channel basis for the year 2013-2014.

(3.) The petitioner had been considered for promotion as per the aforesaid circular under the category of merit channel basis. A fact to be noted is that although the notified vacancy for promotion on the merit channel to MMGS II was stated to be 618, but the actual number of eligible candidates found to be 512. Accordingly, it gives the indication that the number of suitable candidates were less than the available vacancies.