PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK Vs. GURWANT SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) RESPONDENT Gurwant Singh was working as Assistant Cashier in Punjab National Bank at its Khanna Branch on 3.2.1990, when he received Rs. 2,000/- from one Ram Dayal but entered Rs. 200/- instead of Rs. 2,000/-, in his long book. He thus pocketed Rs. 1,800/-. At the close of the business hours of the bank, he handed over the amount of cash received treating the said deposit of Rs. 2000/- as Rs. 200/- to the Head Cashier and left the bank premises. He was placed under suspension on 7.2.1990 for the alleged fraudulent act on his part. He was served with charge-sheet dated 16.3.1990. He submitted his reply to the charge-sheet on 19.4.1990 which was found unsatisfactory by the Disciplinary Authority. Departmental inquiry was initiated against him under the orders of Regional Manager (Disciplinary Authority). As a result of the departmental inquiry, he was dismissed from service vide order dated 25.11.1991 under part 19.6(1) of the Bipartite Settlement. He filed suit for declaration challenging his dismissal from service saying that his dismissal from service was against the rules and regulations by which his service was governed and that he is entitled to be treated in service of the Bank with full back wages, seniority increments act, as if he was never dismissed from service.

(2.) ON 8.9.1993 on the application filed by Punjab National Bank defendant, trial Court framed the following preliminary issue : Whether this Court has no jurisdiction to try the suit ? OPD.

(3.) NOT satisfied with the order dated 5.9.1993 passed by SJIC Ludhiana, Punjab National Bank has come up in revision to this Court.