This writ petition is filed seeking a declaration that the proceedings of the 2nd respondent dated 23.11.1999 dismissing the petitioner from service as confirmed on appeal by the 1st respondent by order dated 20.03.2000 is arbitrary, illegal and in violation of principles of natural justice.

The petitioner was recruited as a Clerk in the Syndicate Bank on 15.9.1976. While working at Shalibanda Branch, by proceedings dated 30.04.1996 the petitioner was placed under suspension pending enquiry into various irregularities amounting to gross misconduct. Thereafter, charge-sheet dated 25.06.1996 was issued and after conducting enquiry, all the charges were held proved. Accordingly the 2nd respondent by proceedings dated 23.11.1999 ordered penalty of dismissal from service with immediate effect and on appeal the same was confirmed by 1st respondent by order dated 20.03.2000. The said orders are under challenge in this writ petition.

FACTS : -

The facts which are not in dispute are as under: The petitioner was served with a charge-sheet dated 25.6.1996 alleging gross misconduct by doing acts prejudicial to the interest of the Bank and engaging in trade or business outside the scop