OM PARKASH JOSHI Vs. PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The claim in the present writ petition is for grant of pension. The petitioner joined the service of the bank on 12.12.1978 and sought voluntary retirement which was allowed w.e.f 28.2.1999. His claim for pension was, however, declined on the ground that during his service he remained on leave without pay for 10 months and 13 days and, thus, he rendered 19 years 4 months and 4 days of qualifying service and consequently, he was not entitled to pension in view of Regulation 29(1) of the Punjab National Bank (Employees) Pension Regulations, 1995 (for short "the Regulations").

(2.) Regulation 29(1) of the Regulations is quoted herein below :-

(3.) Counsel for the petitioner has relied upon regulations 14 and 17 of the Regulations, which are to the following effect :-