JUDGMENT :

Heard Mr. N. Dhar, learned counsel for the petitioner. None appeared on call for the respondents.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner had orally prayed for an adjournment. However, it was noted that this writ petition was filed on 12.10.2012. Thus, this writ petition was 12 years old. Hence, the prayer for adjournment was refused. However, liberty was granted to the learned counsel for the petitioner to file written submissions by 17.05.2024. Mr. T.U. Laskar, the learned counsel for the petitioner had submitted his written argument to the Court Master on 18.05.2024, which is made a part of record.

3. In brief, the case of the petitioner is that at the relevant time he was working as an Accountant at the Hailakandi Branch of Assam Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd. By an order dated 11.06.2007, pending drawal of departmental proceeding, he was suspended. Thereafter, a charge-sheet dated 08.09.2007 was served on the petitioner along with the 9 (nine) article of charges; statement of allegations in support of the said 9 (nine) charges, requiring the petitioner to show-cause as to why penalties under Rule 46(a) of the Assam Cooperative Apex Bank (Staff) Rules, 1980 shall not be i