JUDGMENT

Arijit Pasayat J.-Heard.

2. Leave granted in S.L.P. (C) No. 883 of 2000.

3. Both these appeals relate to judgment of the Allahabad High Court dated 7.9.1999 and are, therefore, disposed of by this common judgment. The primary question involved is the scope of interference in the matter of punishment by the High Court.

4. Factual background in a nutshell is as follows:-

Disciplinary proceedings were initiated by the United Commercial Bank (hereinafter referred to as the employer ) against P.C. Kakkar (hereinafter referred to as the employee ). It was alleged that he had committed several acts of misconduct while functioning as Assistant Manager of Mirzapur Branch. He was placed under suspension w.e.f. 6-7-1983. The disciplinary proceedings were initiated in terms of United Commercial Bank Officer Employees (Conduct, Discipline and Appeal) Regulation 1976 (hereinafter referred to as the regulation ). The charges were found established in respect of charge Nos. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8. On the basis of findings recorded by the Inquiry Officer and as endorsed by the Disciplinary Authority, order of dismissal was passed on 16-8-1988. Appeal preferred by the employee before the pres