ORDER

1. Special leave granted.

2. Satyendra Chandra Jam, appellant herein, was employed as Branch Manager with Punjab National Bank (hereinafter referred to as "the Bank"). Disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him on charges of misconduct. After holding an inquiry wherein the charges were found to be established, the disciplinary authority imposed the penalty of removal from service which has been affirmed by the appellate authority. The writ petition filed by the appellant has been dismissed by the Patna High Court by the impugned judgment.

3. Shri Vikas Singh, the learned counsel appearing for the appellant, has submitted that the disciplinary authority had proposed to impose the penalty of reduction in rank on the appellant and had forwarded the matter to the Chief Vigilance Officer in accordance with Regulation 19 of the Punjab a National Bank Officer/Employees (Disciplinary & Appeal) Regulations, 1977. But the Chief Vigilance Officer was of the view that punishment of removal from service should be imposed. Keeping in view the said recommendation of the Chief Vigilance Officer, the disciplinary authority imposed the more severe punishment of removal from service on