Hon’ble Sudhir Agarwal, J.—Sri Narendra Kumar Pandey, working as MMS-2 Level Officer in State Bank of India has assailed the order dated 11th March, 1999 (Annexure 1 to the writ petition) passed by General Manager (Development and Personal Banking), the Appointing Authority imposing punishment of dismissal from Bank’s service in terms of Rule 66(j) of the State Bank of India Officers Service Rules (hereinafter referred to as “Service Rules, 1992”) framed in exercise of power under Section 43(1) of the State Bank of India Act, 1955.

2. This writ petition was filed on 18th May, 1999 after serving notice upon Sri N.K.Seth, Advocate (now Senior Advocate) representing the Bank. It came up before the Court on 20th May, 1999 when the counsel for petitioner sought time to file supplementary affidavit and the case was directed to be listed on 26th May, 1999. Thereafter the matter appears to have been adjourned from time to time permitting the respondents to file counter-affidavit. A last opportunity for counter was granted on 12th November, 1999. Instead of filing counter, respondents then filed an application raising plea of alternative remedy. This was heard and by order dated 24th