S.Karthikeyan v. The State Bank Of India
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 03.09.2024
CORAM:
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI S.Karthikeyan
...Petitioner
Vs.
The State Bank of India, Rep. by its Chairman, Corporate Centre, State Bank Bhavan, Madame Cama Road, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 021.
Also at:
C.C.O. Department, Local Head Office, "Circletop House", Group Floor, 16, College Lane, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 006.
Also at:
Regional Business Office-2, Network-3, Administrative Office, Kurinji Complex, State Bank Road, Coimbatore - 641 018.
...Respondent
Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent to consider the petitioner's application for empanelment of valuers dated 06.01.2023 for the 1/6
forthcoming terms on merits and dispose of the same. For Petitioner : Mr.Dissa Prashanth for Mr.Gowtham Thelak.V.B For Respondent : Mr.ML.Ganesh
ORDER
This Writ petition has been filed seeking direction to the respondent to consider the petitioner's application for empanelment of valuers dated 06.01.2023 for the forthcoming terms on merits and dispose of the same within the time stipulated by this Court.
2. The case of the petitioner is that, the petitioner is a valuer registered under the Wealth Tax Act, 1957 and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India and he is a valuer in the respondent's panel of valuers since 2014 and he has been empanelled in several other banks in Tamil Nadu. While so, in the year 2022, the TMB Bank delisted the petitioner from its panel citing alleged inflated valuation reports submitted by him and it also caused his name to be added to the IBA Third party caution list. Challenging the same, the petitioner filed a writ petition before this Court in W.P.No.22980 of 2/6
2022 and this Court, vide order dated 20.09.2023 directed the IBA to remove the petitioner's name from the caution list. In the meanwhile, the respondent invited fresh applications for valuers through a public notice for the next three years ie., till 2026 and the petitioner also submitted his application dated 06.01.2023. Despite the above said order of this Court for removal of the petitioner's name from the caution list, the petitioner's application was returned vide an internal correspondence dated 28.06.2023 holding that the petitioner's name is found in the caution list. Thereafter, upon intimating the branch officials of the respondent about the above said order of this Court dated 20.09.2023, the petitioner's application was forwarded to the Regional Office, vide letter dated 02.11.2023. However, subsequently, the petitioner's application was returned to the petitioner stating that the deadline for the application as per the public notice had expired and therefore, the petitioner's application cannot be considered. Hence, the petitioner has come up with this Writ petition.
3. Though very many grounds have been raised, learned counsel for 3/6
the petitioner submitted that it would suffice if this Court issues direction to the respondent to consider the petitioner's application dated 06.01.2023 and pass orders on the same within a particular time frame fixed by this Court.
4. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respondent has no objection for the said order being passed and he fairly conceded that the petitioner's application dated 06.01.2023 will be considered and appropriate orders will be passed within the time stipulated by this Court.
5. In view of the aforesaid submissions, this Court without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case directs the respondent to consider the petitioner's application dated 06.01.2023 on merits and in accordance with law and pass appropriate orders, within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after affording an opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner and aggrieved persons, if any. 4/6
6. Accordingly, this Writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. 03.09.2024 skt Index : Yes/No Speaking order : Yes/No NCC : Yes/No To:
The State Bank of India, Rep. by its Chairman, Corporate Centre, State Bank Bhavan, Madame Cama Road, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 021.
Also at:
C.C.O. Department, Local Head Office, "Circletop House", Group Floor, 16, College Lane, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 006.
Also at:
Regional Business Office-2, Network-3, Administrative Office, Kurinji Complex, State Bank Road, Coimbatore - 641 018.
5/6
M.DHANDAPANI , J.
skt 03.09.2024 6/6