JUDGMENT :

Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, J.

Preface:

1. In essence, questioning the justifiability of the order of punishment dated 22.01.2009 and the order of the appellate authority dated 21.04.2011, while also praying for issue of a writ of mandamus commanding the concerned respondents to release the petitioner’s gratuity and other admissible dues, the present writ petition has been instituted.

Petitioner’s case:

2. Adverting to the facts, as unfurled in the writ petition, it would be noted that the petitioner joined the United Commercial Bank (in short, the bank) as an Assistant Cashier-cum-Godown Keeper on 09.09.1977. Due to his unblemished career, the petitioner was consistently promoted over time. On 13.07.2005, the petitioner was elevated to the post of M.M. Sr. Scale-II from its feeder post of JMG Scale-I and transferred to Deokhajuri Branch, Madhya Pradesh to officiate in the position of its Branch Manager.

3. He assumed the charge of the Deokhajuri Branch (hereinafter, the branch) on 18.07.2005. Within a short span of time, he realized that he was surrounded by certain unscrupulous individuals and a vicious circle was actively operating in the branch. They coerced the petitioner