ORDER

D. Murugesn, J.—The petitioner joined as cashier in the Ramanathapuram Branch of State Bank of India in the year 1961. After various promotions, he was lastly promoted as Chief Manager during February, 1998 while he was working in Madurai Main Branch. He was transferred to Tuticonn Branch where he worked from June 10, 1994 to June 15, 1996. Thereafter, he was transferred to the main branch of State Bank of India at Chennai during February, 1998. It appears that on February 9, 1998, while the petitioner was on transfer to Chennai, a letter was issued by the Assistant General Manager, Madurai levelling certain allegations and thereby called the petitioner to submit his explanation. An explanation, dated February 20, 1998, was submitted denying the allegations. The petitioner was suspended on March 12, 1998, but no further action was taken.

2. On the eve of the retirement of the petitioner, he was issued with the chargesheets, dated February 3, 1999, and February 11, 1999, containing the following charges:

"Charge-sheet, Dated February 3, 1999:

(1)(a) It has been reported that under your direction and advice, the Manager, P.B. Division, had recommended 3 clean overdraft limits of R