B.Uma v. Indian Bank

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 20-05-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE G. R. SWAMINATHAN & THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE V. LAKSHMINARAYANAN & CMP NO. 13090 OF 2026 B.Uma D/o. G.Balasubramanian, Flat No.CG7, Salmas Royal Residency, 48/1 Arcot Road, Saligramam, Chennai 93.

..Appellant(s) Vs

1. Indian Bank Rep By Its General Manager/Appellate Authority, No.55, Ethiraj Salai,

2. The Deputy General Manager/ Disciplinary Authority

3. G.N.Hedge The Deputy General Manager/Disciplinary Authority,

4. R.Ramabadran The Enquiry Officer, Indian Bank, Vigilance Dept., No.66 Rajaji Salai,Chennai 1.

5. The Chief Manager ..Respondent(s) PRAYER: Writ Appeal filed under clause 15 of the Letters Patent praying to set aside the order dated 30.04.2026 made in W.P.No.7402 of 2008 passed by this Court, in so far as it made observations and finding on merits, while relegating the appellant to seek appellate remedy and allow the Writ Appeal. For Appellant:

Mr.K.Elumalai

JUDGMENT

(Judgment of the Court was delivered by G.R.Swaminathan J.) Heard the learned Senior Counsel appearing for the appellant.

2. The appellant was an employee of Indian Bank. She was dismissed from service. Challenging the same, WP.No.7402 of 2008 was filed by the writ petitioner. The Writ Petition was disposed of by the learned Single Judge on 30.04.2026 on the following terms.

"114. Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of, relegating the petitioner to avail the remedy of appeal before the appellate authority, as provided under Regulation 17 of the Regulations, 1976. In the event of the petitioner filing the

appeal within 30 days from today, the respondent shall entertain the said appeal without reference to the limitation of 45 days prescribed under the Regulations, 1976 and decide the said appeal in accordance with law, uninfluenced by observations if any, made herein above. The respondents / appellate authority shall afford an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, and thereafter (i) pass a speaking order; and (ii) communicate the said order to the petitioner at the address mentioned in the memorandum of appeal, within two weeks from the date of passing of the order.'

3. Learned Senior Counsel states that he will avail the appeal remedy, but he wants extension of time granted by the learned Single Judge to prefer the appeal.

4. We are inclined to accept the said request.

5. The appellant is given time till 30.06.2026 to prefer the appeal before the Appellate Authority.

6. We also make it clear that since the appellant has been relegated to avail the departmental remedy, no finding could have been rendered on merits. Therefore, the Appellate Authority will decide the issue without being influenced by any of the findings given by the learned Single Judge. All the contentions of the appellant are left open.

7.This Writ Appeal is disposed of accordingly. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed.

[G.R.S.,J.] [V.L.N.,J.] 20-05-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order MSR/GV To

1. The General Manager No.55, Ethiraj Salai,

2. The Deputy General Manager/ Disciplinary Authority

3. G.N.Hedge The Deputy General Manager/Disciplinary Authority, 55 Ethiraj Salai,Chennai 8.

4. R.Ramabadran The Enquiry Officer, Indian Bank, Vigilance Dept., No.66 Rajaji Salai, Chennai 1.

5. The Chief Manager Indian Bank, Circle Office/Vigilance Cell, 55 Ethiraj Salai, Chennai 8.

G.R.SWAMINATHAN J.

& V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN J.

msr/gv AND CMP NO. 13090 OF 2026 20-05-2026