P.P. Naolekar, C.J.

1. Heard Mr. B.R. Dey, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the appellants and Mr. K. Agarwal, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respondent No. 1.

2. At the relevant time the respondent No. 1 was engaged in the Punjab & Sind Bank as Officer in the Junior Management Grade Scale-I. While working as Officer in the Junior Management Grade Scale-I the respondent No. 1 was served with a charge dated 16.3.1996 along with Article of Charges and the statements of allegations issued by the Assistant General Manager, Punjab and Sind Bank, Zonal Office. The respondent No. 1 was informed that Shri K.S. Bedi, Manager, Zonal Office has been appointed as Enquiry Authority and Shri Inderjit Singh, Manager, Silchar Branch has been appointed as Presenting Officer. The respondent No. 1 was directed to appear in the enquiry proceedings. After submission of the written statement Enquiry Officer fixed date for recording evidence of the employer and on 7.5.1997 one witness was examined and cross-examined. The order dated 7.5.1997 of the Enquiry Officer shows that the Presenting Officer was allowed to call for all the remaining witnesses on the next date of hear