JUDGMENT

1. The petitioner joined the Respondent No. 1-Bank (hereinafter referred to as "the Bank") on 29th December, 1980, and was promoted as Manager on 13th January, 1990.

2. By a terse order, dated 5th December, 1995, the petitioner was suspended from service. The order of suspension stated that a detailed charge-sheet would follow.

3. Two questionnaires, in tabular format, were issued to the petitioner, by the Bank, on 6th May, 1996 and 24th September, 1996, seeking the petitioner`s explanation regarding certain perceived irregularities in the advancing, of credit facilities, to M/s Whats Fashion. The petitioner submitted tentative responses to the said communications, and also sought documents, to submit a more detailed response.

4. On 26th November, 1997, the petitioner was issued a charge-sheet, by the Zonal Manager of the Bank, who was his disciplinary authority. The charge-sheet called upon the petitioner to submit a statement of defence, thereto, within 15 days. The charge-sheet contained a single Article of Charge against the petitioner, dealing with credit facilities sanctioned in favour of Whats Fashions, on the petitioner`s recommendation. It was alleged, in