Madras High CourtWP/123/2024disposed of with direction

M.S.Eranna v. The Disciplinary Authority/Deputy General Manager,

2025-12-01Honourable Mr Justice M.Dhandapani6 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 01.12.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI and W.M.P.No.130 of 2024 M.S.Eranna ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Disciplinary Authority/Deputy General Manager, Central Office, Central Bank of India, MSME Department, Bajaj Bhavan, Mumbai.

2.The Inquiring Authority, A.G./D.R.H, Central Bank of India, Regional Office, Variety Hall Road, Coimbatore-641 001.

3.Central Bank of India, Rep.by its Regional Head, Regional Office, 4/15, Variety Hall Road, Coimbatore-641 001. ....Respondents

PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Certiorari, to call for the records relating to the order of the third respondent dated 27.06.2022 in RO/COIM/DAD/2022-23/18, and the consequential order of the first respondent dated 18.10.2023 in CO:HCM:DACELL:/2023-24/2141 and quash the same.

For Petitioner :

Mr.K.Selvaraj For Respondents : Mr.T.Shanmugananda Vijayakumar

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed challenging the order of the third respondent dated 27.06.2022 in RO/COIM/DAD/2022-23/18, and the consequential order of the first respondent dated 18.10.2023 in CO:HCM:DACELL:/2023-24/2141.

2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that the petitioner was appointed as Probationery Officer in the respondents Bank and he was promoted as Manager and thereafter, was promoted as Chief Manager at Avarampalayam Branch, Coimbatore. The petitioner has

rendered 12 years of unblemished service in the Bank. While so, the petitioner was compulsorily retired by initiating disciplinary proceedings vide impugned proceedings dated 27.06.2022 and 18.10.2023 and before the Enquiry Officer as well as Original Authority, no fair opportunity was given to the petitioner to defend his case. Hence, the present writ petition has been filed.

3. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned counsel appearing for the respondents.

4. A perusal of the impugned proceedings reveals that as against the punishment imposed by the Disciplinary Authority, an appeal remedy is available under Regulation 17 of Central Bank of India Employees' (Discipline and Appeal) Regulations, 1976. Without availing such appeal remedy, the petitioner has approached this Court by way of filing this writ petition. Hence, without interfering with the impugned proceedings dated 27.06.2022 and 18.10.2023, liberty is granted to the petitioner to file an appeal before the Appellate Authority under Regulation 17 of Central Bank

of India Employees' (Discipline and Appeal) Regulations, 1976, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. On such filing the appeal by the petitioner, the Appellate Authority, without referring the delay, is directed to entertain the appeal and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law as expeditiously as possible.

5. Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. Connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 01.12.2025 NCC: Yes / No Index : Yes / No Speaking Order : Yes / No ssb

To 1.The Disciplinary Authority/Deputy General Manager, Central Office, Central Bank of India, MSME Department, Bajaj Bhavan, Mumbai.

2.The Inquiring Authority, A.G./D.R.H, Central Bank of India, Regional Office, Variety Hall Road, Coimbatore-641 001.

3.Central Bank of India, Rep.by its Regional Head, Regional Office, 4/15, Variety Hall Road, Coimbatore-641 001.

M.DHANDAPANI, J.

ssb 01.12.2025