Petitioner challenges an order of dismissal passed against him in a disciplinary proceeding. Petitioner was in the service of the 1st respondent-Union Bank of India. He joined service of the Bank in 1958. He was promoted to the category of Officer in 19o9 and he became an Officer Grade I in 1978. He was working as Branch Manager of Quilon during the period 1977 to 1981. From Quilon Branch, he was transferred to Calicut Branch. This was on 2o-o-1981. Petitioner sub mils that when he was transferred from Quilon Branch to Calicut the successor in office took charge of the Branch and relieved the petitioner. The successor in office certified that he has taken a complete and effective charge of the branch from the petitioner and the petitioner has been relieved. The successor further confirmed that he has satisfied himself that all the account books are balanced and that the cash, securities, valuables, godown, documents, etc. have been duly verified by him and found to be in order. Further, petitioner submitted that in the periodical inspections no irregularity was found and is so noted in the inspection reports.

2. Ext.P2 was served on the petitioner by the disciplinary aut