JUDGMENT

R. M. SAHAI, J.—Can Disciplinary Authority while imposing punishment, major or minor, act on material which is neither supplied nor shown to the delinquent is the only issue, of substance, which arises for consideration in this appeal, filed by the State Bank of India against the judgment and order of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana.

2. Even though more than ten years have elapsed since the respondent was charge sheeted the proceedings have not achieved finality as yet. Partial responsibility for the delay was of the respondent, as well, who on every minor issue rushed to the courts including this Court. At one stage the inquiry had been closed ex parte against him. But it was directed to be re-opened by this Court in 1984 with direction to continue it from the stage it was closed and permission to the bank to produce material including examination of witnesses subject to cross-examination. The Court further directed the Central Vigilance Commission to appoint another Inquiry Officer. In pursuance of this direction an IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre was appointed. Out of the thirteen charges framed against the respondent the Inquiry Officer found charges I(1) and I