1. The petitioner was serving as Assistant Manager, State Bank of India at Avinashi during the year 1996. During that point of time, he was looking after agricultural crop loans. He was transferred to Mettupalayam Branch as Assistant Manager in July 1996. ON 17. 1996, the Branch Manager, Avinashi Branch sent a communication to the controlling authority alleging certain irregularities in the loan sanctioned during his tenure at Avinashi Branch. One Mr.Ramakrishnan, Manager, Ganapathy Branch, on deputation, investigated the matter. The petitioner was placed under suspension on 12. 1997. A memo was issued calling for explanation from the petitioner on 22. 1998. The petitioner sent a detailed reply on 5. 1998. A charge memo was issued by the Deputy General Manager, Coimbatore on 6. 1999. The Deputy General Manager ordered enquiry on 8. 1999. An enquiry was conducted on 28. 1999 and the same was concluded in the month of December 1999. The enquiry officer submitted his report on 29. 2000. The petitioner, on receipt of a copy of the report, submitted his explanation on 6. 2000. The first respondent imposed the punishment of compulsory retirement vide his proceedings dated 210