IN THE HIGH COURT AT CALCUTTA CONSTITUTIONAL WRIT JURISDICTION APPELLATE SIDE Present:

The Hon’ble Justice Ananya Bandyopadhyay W.P.A. 30110 of 2014 Arun Kumar Debnath -Vs-

State Bank of India & Ors.

For the Petitioner : Mr. Ayan Banerjee Ms. Debasree Dhamali Ms. Riya Ghosh For the Respondents/Bank : Mr. S. Pal Chaudhuri Ms. Tithi Paul Ms. Shilpi Paul Heard on : 26.06.2024, 24.07.2024, 27.09.2024, 05.11.2024, 18.02.2025, 13.06.2025, 19.08.2025 Judgment on : 24.10.2025 Ananya Bandyopadhyay, J.:-

1. The petitioner, a long-serving and dedicated officer of the State Bank of India, commenced his career as an Agricultural Assistant on 14th October, 1977, at the Jangipur Branch and, through consistent diligence and integrity, rose to the post of Chief Manager (SMGS-IV), lastly serving at the Dhakuria Branch, Kolkata. His tenure, marked by unblemished service, was abruptly interrupted when he was placed under suspension by the respondent authorities on 23rd November, 2012, under Rule 68(A)(1) of the State Bank of India Officers' Service Rules (SBIOSR), in contemplation of disciplinary proceedings.

2. Subsequently, a memorandum of charge-sheet dated 15th March, 2013, was issued, imputing six cha